Returning Full, Not Empty
April 19, 2016
-by Miriam McKenney
Read
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:9-13)
Reflect
We read these verses at our Commission on Ministry meeting this past weekend at our Diocesan retreat center as we prepared to talk with people interested in pursuing their call to ministry. As I listened to the scripture, the words that stood out most were these: so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Read it again, and think about how it applies to your life right now. Whether you’re working in your dream job or a job you don’t love; parenting your children or wanting to parent your children, enjoying a close relationship with God or feeling that God doesn’t hear you; consider these words. Nothing that God puts forth will return to God without accomplishing God’s purpose. What God puts forth will succeed in what God put it forth to do. I wonder each day when I’m going to figure out exactly what my purpose is. But when I read those words, and speak those words, I felt restored. I feel like I have a chance.
As I walked around the farmland property and jogged the labyrinth, I meditated on those words. No matter what, God’s purpose will be fulfilled. Who am I to doubt that? God’s ways are higher than my ways, so it’s okay if I don’t have all the answers. God’s promise of my inherent success in God’s purpose makes me want to work even harder to be everything God sent me forth to do. I want to try harder to discern just what that is.
Respond
Do you have anything to discern right now? Share it on Facebook or Twitter with #50days #discernment.
Lynne
From Julian of Norwich:
“My own sin will not hinder the working of God’s goodness. As long as we are in this life and find ourselves foolishly dwelling on sinfulness, our God tenderly touches us and joyfully calls us saying: ‘Let all your love be, my child. turn to me. I am everything you need. Enjoy me and your liberation.’ “
Yenkie
I am still not abld to decern whst specifcally want me to do
Bill Coleman
Thank you my Dear. Isn’t it funny how often we can’t see the forest for the trees? Thank you! Your timing is perfect! (What does that tell you?)
Isn’t it wonderful to know we are in God’s loving arms?
You and your family are in my prayers.
Many thanks.
BC