Hearing His Voice #201 - The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional
Hearing His Voice #201
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Some of us speak with little expectation of our words being heeded. Parents give instructions, sometimes repeatedly, knowing that their children may forget them or choose to ignore them. People speak of their future dreams without much confidence that they will come to pass. Counselors give advice, realizing that their advice will only sometimes be followed. To many of us, words are just words.
The result is a culture of language in which “all talk and no action” is a frequent lament. We tell people to put their money where their mouth is and describe their inaction and empty promises as “only words.” But with God, there is no “only” about words. His words are as good as done. Like seeds sown into fertile ground, they will yield a harvest. When He issues an order, it will be carried out. When He gives a promise, it will be fulfilled. When He declares His purposes, they will be accomplished. As some versions of this passage say, God’s Word will not return to Him empty. It will result in what He wants it to do.
Understand that when we hear God’s voice, it’s a weighty matter. He isn’t just suggesting an option; He’s declaring His truth. We can’t afford to listen to Him simply out of curiosity. We have to listen with a sacred resolve to align with His words. If they are instructions, we will carry them out. If they are promises, we will believe them. If they are encouragement or correction, we will accept it. Whatever He says, it’s true. It will not return to Him without fulfilling His purpose.
Lord, if all creation heeds Your voice, so must I. Let the distance between my ears and my actions be short. I respond with yes to whatever You say.
