As I sat by the ocean shore, I was in awe of God’s goodness. It was raining in so many places across the states; and yet, each day at the beach was filled with God’s ray of healing light and energy through these bright sunny days! God did that for my daughter and I. He does this for all of us as we anticipate the power of his word coming to pass. The Lord desired that we take the time to reflect, renew, and restore our being. I know when I need renewal because my singing soul becomes overshadowed by the cares of life. My spirit weakens, my emotions escalate, my mind is in overdrive, my relationships are strained, my work becomes challenging, and my concern for creation diminishes. The question remains: why must we walk through such struggles to witness God’s truth and glory? We remain comfortable in our living conditions, and the Lord must awaken his children to move beyond ourselves. He needs our cooperation and obedient participation to do his will in us. Sometimes we hear him right from the start, but other times, it takes a myriad of circumstances to get our undivided attention toward him. God is calling us once again to be lost in the wonder and liberty of Jesus Christ.

So, what is my purpose in writing this. Does your life reflect the power of God’s word? Isaiah is the first of the major prophets called by God, in 740 B.C., as an intense visionary to proclaim his word. In his first book, 1-39, he emphasizes God’s divine Sovereignty and holiness through radical trust and faithfulness. In the second book, 40-55, he describes God’s hope and renewal despite Judah’s captivity. God is firmly in control and will redeem his people through the promise of his word. Let us enter the scene of chapter 55 and witness the power of God’s promise, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the Sower, and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:10-12).

This is an divine invitation to abundant living! Did you hear me, not prosperity in material possessions, but the fullness of God’s word coming to pass for his people then and now for us in Jesus Christ. Amid their captivity, Isaiah was claiming that God longed for his people to know that his word is power, and just as he is in control of the rain, snow, seedtime, and harvest this same word that was written years ago is the same yesterday, today, and forever in Christ. God’s word will accomplish everything that he set out to do from the foundation. It will never be empty, and his life will well up within us to renew our being in the Holy Spirit. We are called to live worshipping a mighty God that we serve.

God’s powerful and precious promises have been fulfilled. They were made through the seed of Abraham and the root of Jesse upon which we too have been grafted (Romans 10). We know this truth because Jesus Christ fulfilled God’s word, and he is waiting on us for greater works. How will the world know God’s word, his seed, and the power of Jesus Christ if Christians do not carry on his work. John Wesley said that the world was his parish. This means that everywhere we go, the power of God’s accomplished word lives and moves in us and we have the responsibility to share and display his word through all manner of life. Do you believe in the power of God’s word or are these just words you are accustomed to reading and hearing? Is the life of Jesus Good News to you and if so, are you an expression of kindness, peace, love, joy, and compassion to our brothers and sisters? The power of God’s word is fulfilled in Christ and being fulfilled in us through the Holy Spirit. Let us go forth in praising our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the purpose of his living word reigning in us and throughout the world.

Dear Father,

We praise you for your word that is fulfilled in our Beloved Jesus. For you are great and holy is your name! Thank you, Holy Spirit for these great and precious promises awakening our hearts to herald the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In Jesus name,

Amen!

Blessings,

Dr. Caroline