An Accomplishing Word

 By: Joanne Viola

As I turned the page of a new calendar year, I felt compelled to read the first few chapters in Genesis.

After all, what better time to read of the beginning of time than at the beginning of a new year.

Here is what I noticed:

•  “Then God said ….” (verse 6) and “… that is what happened” (verse 7).
• “Then God said …” (verse 9) and “… that is what happened” (verse 9).
• “Then God said …” (verse 11) and  “… that is what happened” (verse 11).
• “Then God said …” (verse 14) and “… that is what happened” (verse 15).
• “Then God said …” (verse 24) and “… that is what happened” (verse 24).
• “Then God said …” (verse 29) and “… that is what happened” (verse 30). 

Cause and effect is where one action results in another.
God spoke and it happened.

 I found myself concluding that God’s Word is certain. His Word is meant to accomplish:

“The rain and the 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, NLT)

In his book Unshakeable Hope, Max Lucado offers this definition of faith:

“… faith is the deeply held belief that God will keep his promises.”
(from page 6)

God's thoughts are not like ours, nor His ways anything we can fully imagine (see Isaiah 55:8). His plans are far beyond our understanding. But in all things,  He is faithful to His Word and His promises.

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not a human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19, NLT)

“So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.” (Hebrews 6:18, NLT)

God spoke and it happened. His Word was sure then and it will be sure in 2019. May we hold steadfastly to His Word and promises to us. 

To which promise are you currently holding onto? Won't you share it in the comments and be a source of encouragement to others. 

Photo by Arūnas Naujokas on Unsplash