For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 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. Isaiah 55:8-11
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
God speaks to us. His words have purpose and life and they are unchanging truth. Our part is to listen and be obedient. So simple, but not always easy. The enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy, and that includes the words that God speaks. The devil plants seeds of doubt to choke the seeds of life that God plants when He speaks to us. It only takes one question from the enemy, "Did God really say?", to make us doubt the words of God. How easily we are deceived into letting go of our Father's words of life and love.
It happened to me last week. Our dog is 14 and a half years old and she is fighting lymphoma. God had spoken to me years ago about the length of her life, knowing way back then that I would need His word to stand on. I know that she has not fulfilled the days that God ordained for her, but last Tuesday, she appeared to be giving up on life. I released her into God's hands, fully believing that her time had come. By Tuesday evening, it was obvious that KC was choosing life and we agreed with her choice. God asked me, "Do you remember the word I spoke to you?" Yes, Lord, I remember. Forgive me for doubting.
God reminded me of other words that He has spoken to me...the lifelines that I cling to when fear and anxiety rear their ugly heads. Words of life and hope that are as true today as they were on the day He spoke them to my spirit. Words that will not return to my Father without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent them. I will continue to listen and trust and follow my Good Shepherd. I will embrace God's words, for they are life to me!
