God's Sabbath

G OD ’ S W AY IN M ISSIONARY W ORK

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er, 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. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myr tle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlast ing sign, which will not be destroyed.” Isaiah 55:10–13. No matter how long the drought, when the rains return, the farmer is assured that the seed will germinate and a harvest will follow. The Lord uses these illustrations from nature to assure us that, just as certainly, the sowing of the gospel seed will bring forth an assured harvest. There is nothing God desires more than to see the gospel taking effect in humanity, and He promises that it will accomplish the very purpose for which He has sent it into this sin cursed world. As long as we go forth following God-given plans and methods, the Holy Spirit will water our efforts. Lives will be trans formed as symbolized by the pine tree replacing the thorn bush. If we desire to become fruitful servants of God we must med itate on these wonderful promises. Every time the rain comes, let the certainty with which it will stimulate growth, speak of the same surety of the gospel’s power to attract and transform sinners. Let us absorb the beauty and might of God’s word into our minds and hearts until we believe it implicitly and go forth thinking only positive thoughts that leave no space for the fear of failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat. This is but one of the many glowing promises to be found in the Scriptures. We need to make God’s method of missionary work our own by following these daily steps: •Search for those promises and assemble our own jewel col lection until we are rich in precious stones. Make each blessed assurance our own. •Meanwhile, establish and deepen a close communion with the heavenly agencies so that there will be a daily infusion of divine life into the soul. It is only as we receive life from God that we can impart it to others. •Consecrate ourselves on a daily basis, making this the very first work of the day. Place ourselves at God’s dispos al to speak or not to speak as He shall direct. Many are