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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 shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
D.L. MOODY
Sometimes it looks as if God’s servants fail. When Herod beheaded John the Baptist, it looked as if John’s mission was a failure. But was it? The voice that rang through the valley of the Jordan rings through the whole world today. You can hear its echo upon the mountains and the valleys yet, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). He held up Jesus Christ and introduced Him to the world, and Herod had no power to behead Him until His lifework had been accomplished.
Stephen never preached but one sermon that we know of, and that was before the Sanhedrin; but how that sermon has been preached again and again all over the world! Out of his death probably came Paul, the greatest preacher the world has seen since Christ left this Earth. If a man is sent by Jehovah, there is no such thing as failure.
ERWIN LUTZER
God never allows us to see all the good we have done in the world. John the Baptist, Stephen, and thousands of other believers died not knowing their future impact. That also is true of us; we too will die, oblivious to the impact we have had. That is why I frequently quote Revelation 14:13, which speaks of the blessedness of the departed saints and says, “Their deeds follow them!”
Yes, God is able to take what appears to be failure and turn it into good; and most of the time in this life, we do not know what the good actually is or how evil will be turned into good.
Don’t underestimate the eternal effect of an ordinary life lived for the glory of God.
PRAYER
Father, today, I trust you to use me in ways that might seem insignificant to me, but bring you glory and bless others.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read 1 Corinthians 1:27. In light of this verse how does God show His power in bringing about His plans through us?
How does Revelation 14:13 shape my understanding of a life well lived?