Standing on its own, this one small verse sets forth grand ideas. The Lord is the Sovereign God whose authority is supreme. His word—His plans, decrees, purposes—were not spoken in vain, but carry in them the power to be realized. Because our God is the Lord, He is mighty, and He will have the last word. That’s the simple meaning of this verse. God will accomplish and achieve all that He desires and purposes.

But this little verse means much more when it’s read with the words that come before. Verse 10 says: “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…”

From above come rain and snow which give the earth the water it needs. No human being is the source of the dew, the rain or the snow. It comes to us from above as a pure gift. It causes the earth to bud, to flourish, to produce. It provides food for the hungry, which is provision for the present. It yields seeds for the sower to use another year, which is provision for the future. Whether or not people understand that rain and water come from God, whether or not they thank God, God is still the source of this essential gift.

Just so are the words of God. As essential to us as the rain that falls are the words that God has given to us. As the rain brings food and provision for the future, so the Word of God offers what we essentially need for the present and the future.

God’s hand is on the helm of history. His plans and purposes are not thwarted by the powers, forces, trends of any country or culture. There is no political machine or nefarious plot or crazy new philosophy that can undo God’s ultimate guiding hand. All of us who believe God, who take Him at His word, who trust and follow Him have a profound confidence which can be solid ground beneath our feet in an uncertain, ever-changing world. Take heart and have courage. Our God is the eternal and mighty Lord, and we belong to Him.

by Pastor June Barrow

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 55:11