Truly trusting God and his Word, Isaiah 55

About 2,700 years ago Isaiah the prophet wrote many memorable words that are just as applicable and meaningful today. He has encouraging news for inmates, volunteers, and staff involved in prison ministry. Consider these words from chapter 55: Turn to the Lord before it’s too late. Call out to him while he’s still ready to help you. Let those who are evil stop doing evil things. And let them quit thinking evil thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord. The Lord will show them his tender love. Let them turn to our God. He is always ready to forgive- (v.6-7; NIrV). This is our ministry in a nutshell, sharing God’s love with those who need and want it. But we need to apply these words to ourselves first. When we experience God’s forgiveness, we are motivated to share it.

Then consider this reminder: “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. And your ways are not like my ways,” announces the Lord. “The heavens are higher than the earth. And my ways are higher than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” (v.8-9). We live in an ever-changing world. Yet God reminds us that he is in control even when we can’t see or understand what he’s doing. So when more and more inmates have access to tablet devices (and use mail less often), we adjust our ministry to deliver God’s Word to our students accordingly, even when this adjustment requires big changes in some of our procedures.

Finally, look at this reminder about trusting God’s Word: The rain and the snow come down from the sky.
They do not return to it without watering the earth. They make plants come up and grow. The plants produce seeds for farmers. They also produce food for people to eat. The words I speak are like that. They will not return to me without producing results. They will accomplish what I want them to. They will do exactly what I sent them to do- (v.10-11). We need this reminder. Our sinful natures tempt us to think that sharing God’s Word is just our duty and often doesn’t really do any good. What little trust we have in the Word or the Spirit who works through that Word. Rather, let us redouble our efforts to share this powerful word that can and does change lives, starting with our own.