word-work
"A man scatters seed on the ground. He goes to bed and gets up day after day. Through it all the seed sprouts and grows without his knowing how it happens." —Mark 4:26-27
Does God's Word work? Does faith truly come through hearing and then hearing comes by the Word of God? (Rm 10:17) Is God's Word living and effective? (Heb 4:12) If so, then why is the world in its present shape despite all the preachers, churches, and Bibles?
God's answer to these most important questions is that, as rain and snow always accomplish their purposes, so His Word shall not return to Him void. His Word shall do His will, achieving the end for which He sent it (see Is 55:10-11). God's Word works! "There is no chaining the word of God!" (2 Tm 2:9)
However, the messengers of God's Word can be chained through lack of faith. Sharing God's Word is like sowing seed. We often don't see any immediate effects of our work (see Mk 4:26ff). Even when we do see some results, they are often as tiny as a mustard seed (see Mk 4:31). To persevere in sharing God's Word, we must sow by faith and not by sight (see 2 Cor 5:7). "We are not among those who draw back and perish, but among those who have faith and live" (Heb 10:39). Work in faith and give God's Word a chance to work.
Prayer: Father, may I have confident assurance concerning what I hope for and conviction about things I do not see (Heb 11:1).
Promise: "Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward. You need patience to do God's will and receive what He has promised." —Heb 10:35-36
Praise: Lucia, a non-Catholic, felt an inspiration to attend a Catholic Mass. At the elevation of the host during the consecration, she saw a light come from the Eucharist and felt the light penetrate her heart. She became a Catholic and now has a ministry of teaching the Bible to children.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018
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