55:11Isaiah 55:11

As rain and snow fall to water the ground and make crops grow for food and for planting, so what God speaks goes out to do what He intends and does not come back empty.GW 515.2–516.1+2 What He has spoken never fails or loses its force, but unfailingly brings about what pleases Him and succeeds in the work for which He sent it.GW 515.2–516.1+2 It works through the Holy Spirit in the heart to teach truth, and when it is faithfully given and watered by the Spirit it reaches hearts unto salvation even when no result is seen at once.Ms 81, 1909, par. 3–4+2 It therefore underwrites His call to seek Him while He may be found, to forsake evil ways and thoughts and return, with full assurance of mercy and abundant pardon.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+2 It also gives confidence to sow the gospel everywhere in faith and leave results with God, for even seed lying unnoticed in a cold and worldly heart will at last spring up and bear fruit to His glory.ED 105.2–3+2

As rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth to make it bring forth and bud, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so the word that goes forth out of God's mouth does not return void, fruitless, or empty, or come back without effect or result.GW 515.2–516.1+4 It never fails but unfailingly accomplishes the purpose for which He sends it, carries out His pleasure, succeeds where He sends it, does what He pleases and intends, and brings about what He intends.GW 515.2–516.1+4 That assurance supports God's call for people who have turned away to return, for His word will carry out His purpose of mercy and abundant pardon.Ms 93, 1909, par. 4–5 Applied to the gospel message, supporting its spread helps bring the promises of Isaiah 55 to fulfillment.Lt 397, 1904, par. 1–4

The verse belongs to God's declaration that His thoughts and ways are as high above human thoughts and ways as the heavens are above the earth.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+4 Human ideas of what condemns and saves and human methods of judging therefore avail nothing, and success is not found by pleasing worldlings or following hereditary and cultivated tendencies and the customs and criterion of the world.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19 Success is found instead by trusting in God, looking to Jesus, denying self, taking up the cross and following Him, and building on solid rock, which is Jesus Christ.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19 Taken into heart and mind with gratitude for past mercies and for the light of His Word, and reflected back upon souls in darkness instead of faithlessness, complaining, faultfinding and murmuring, His word fits believers by the Holy Spirit for missionary work to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ.Lt 134, 1900, par. 13–15 The sinner's thought that God has given him up to the enemy because of his sins and will not pardon so great a sinner is not correct and true and dishonors God, for God's promise to have mercy and abundantly pardon will not return void but will accomplish what He pleases and prosper where He sends it.Lt 98, 1893, par. 22–23

The verse issues in going out with joy and being led forth with peace.Ms 15, 1900, par. 10–11+4 Mountains and hills break into singing before them and trees of the field clap their hands.Ms 15, 1900, par. 10–11+2 The fir tree comes up instead of the thorn and the myrtle tree instead of the brier, as an everlasting sign to the Lord and to His name that shall not be cut off.Ms 15, 1900, par. 10–11+2 It is one of the richest promises of God's Word, belonging to those who accept the condition of obedience.Ms 139, 1899, par. 29 It assures those working in harmony with God's plan that His word will prosper their work, so they will go forward with joy and peace and their work will bear lasting fruit as a sign to the Lord.MH 405.5–6

The verse belongs to God's free offer to the thirsty and moneyless to come, buy without price, hear, live, and receive an everlasting covenant.Ms 15, 1900, par. 10–11 It is part of God speaking to people through His Word, which contains precious things and calls them to listen and take heed.Ms 124, 1909, par. 1–2 It stands among Isaiah 50-58 as reproof and warning to God's people, especially to those in high positions carrying great responsibilities who have disregarded reproof, accepted only the words they choose, and neglected the duty to warn people to understand what is truth.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 12–14 It requires thorough work, putting away the evil of works, stopping complaining and evil working, coming nigh, repenting and being converted, because human ways are not accepted of God, and taking these words brings reformation and the appearing of the Lord to the conviction and conversion of souls, after which Isaiah 60 and 61 will be understood.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 12–14 Isaiah 55-58 is to be diligently studied by pastors and people to arouse from spiritual stupidity, to wake up those in the cities who profess present truth to give to others what the Lord has given them, to arise and shine and give the precious light of the gospel message, and to go forth with full assurance that angels of God will make impressions upon minds.Ms 66, 1910, par. 8–9 Isaiah 55:8-13 gives a blessed promise that brings comfort and encouragement especially when discouraged, showing an open door where God can be met and earnestly sought and found, which is entered by the meekness Christ showed, humbling the heart before God and standing in right relation to Him.Ms 71, 1911, par. 1–4 Isaiah 55:11 is included in a group of Isaiah chapters that foretell the work of presenting the warning message to the world and explaining why believers hold their faith.Ms 52, 1900, par. 37–39

The word that goes forth from God's mouth unfailingly accomplishes what He pleases and prospers in the thing to which He sends it.GW 515.2–516.1+4 It never fails, never comes back empty, never returns without effect and never returns fruitless, and what He has spoken He has done so His Word cannot be doubted.GW 515.2–516.1+4 As surely as rain and snow come down from heaven to water the earth and make it fruitful to bring forth seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so His spoken word carries out His pleasure and succeeds in its mission.GW 515.2–516.1+4 Applied to the gospel message, supporting its spread helps bring the promises of Isaiah 55 to fulfillment.Lt 397, 1904, par. 1–4
The word is made effective in the human heart by working through the Holy Spirit, instructing those who follow on to know Him and presenting eternal truth to those who give their service to Christ.Ms 81, 1909, par. 3–4+2 When believers minister the word of truth, God's Spirit sends it home to hearts where it can lead to salvation.10MR 320.1–321.3 Even when its effect is not immediately visible, divine truth faithfully taught remains in the memory of the careless student and hearer, and the Holy Spirit waters the sown seed to later bring it to life and make it bear fruit to God's glory.CT 435.2+1 Receiving Christ inwardly gives wisdom, so education is to be grounded in studying the Bible and living out its teachings and in understanding and applying the figures of the written word rather than relying on the world to complete it.Ms 131, 1909, par. 22
No human rejection can destroy God's word or make it void.STB 401.2+4 When Jehoiakim king of Judah had a special message sent to be read in his hearing, after three or four pages he cut it with a penknife and cast it into the fire, yet the message was not destroyed by burning the document.STB 401.2+2 The same Holy Spirit who gave the first refused and burned testimony came to the servant who had caused the first roll to be written, repeated the very rejected testimony in another roll, had it written anew, and added a great deal more to it with renewed publicity and confirmation.STB 401.2+3 So too the messengers may disappear or die, but the words of truth they left behind continue working in hearts, and their full blessed results will be known at the judgment.GC88 75.3–4+1
The word that never returns void becomes a savor of life unto life to those who heed it and a savor of death unto death to those who refuse its light.Ms 45, 1891, par. 4–5+3 Those who hear and receive the message sent through a messenger are blessed, while those who refuse its light and warnings face it as unto death, for hearing changes accountability and response to received light determines whether it saves or ruins.Ms 45, 1891, par. 4–5+1 For those who handle God-given responsibilities and have had great light, the Bible must be more than a collection of syllables and words, because God will make His word a power to accomplish what He pleases even where His Spirit has been grieved and dishonored.17MR 230.1–2+1 His word and promises do not fail or change but are reliable, so those who trust Him and receive His grace can believe He hears prayer and will give the promised blessing even when feeling gives no assurance of an answer.Ms 118, 1904, par. 18–19+1

Burning the written message does not destroy it, for what is rejected is given again with greater fullness and wider witness.STB 401.2+3 When Jehoiakim king of Judah had the special message read in his hearing, after three or four pages he cut it with a penknife and cast it into the fire, yet the testimony was not made void.STB 401.2+2 The same Holy Spirit who gave the first refused testimony came again to the servant who had caused the first roll to be written, repeated the very message in another roll, had it written anew, and added a great deal more to it.STB 401.2+3

The word sent to Pharaoh that Israel was God's son who must be released to serve Him could not fail even while Israel was still oppressed and degraded.DCPP 9.2–10.2+3 It was not an empty threat, for refusal would bring judgment on Egypt's firstborn, and God did carry out His word to deliver His oppressed people and lead them out.STA 157.2–158.1+3 His contempt could not make the command fail, and the same care shown to Israel measures His care for His children and His oppressed ones still, with the duty to carry them truth and labor for their salvation.STA 157.2–158.1+2

Though messengers disappear or die, the words of truth they leave behind cannot be destroyed but continue working in hearts, with their full and blessed results to be known at the judgment.GC88 75.3–4+3 Sent out veiled and silent through faithful missionaries who secretly carried and distributed copies and portions of Scripture, the Word by its own power broke the bondage imposed by Rome, awakened interest to read it, won converts to the true faith, permeated schools, sprang up churches in its path, and gathered a rich harvest that the day of God will reveal.GC88 190.1+1 Preached and allowed to spread, it brought down the pope's power without violence or human force.GC88 190.1+1

No word from God becomes void, and prophecy stands certain until fulfilled in history.RH Feb 27, 1900+2 Sacrificial offerings prefiguring Christ were fulfilled when type met antitype in His death, and Christ came to fulfill the demands of the law, uphold its honor, and show that its penalty is not remitted.RH Feb 27, 1900+1 When corruption reaches its limit, the word of judgment spoken from His throne will bring what He intends and will not return without effect.RH Feb 27, 1900+2

Bible truth will prevail, and the Lord will do a short work on the earth.STB 155.2–4+2 The visions and revelations of the closing period given to John on the rocky, barren coast of Patmos with God and Christ and the heavenly host as companions will go forth as a burning lamp when his voice can no longer witness, so that every nation, kindred, tongue, and people learn the sure purpose of the Lord for every nation upon earth.Ms 150, 1899, par. 11–12+1 Truth triumphs over falsehood, misrepresentation, and opposition, as in Nashville and the Southern field where what God has said He has done and His work moves forward leaving behind what would block the way, so truth must be uncovered and not blanketed.Lt 208, 1902, par. 31+1 A worldwide reform in Bible study and the preaching of the gospel to all nations with the Bible opened to the people will do a mighty work, spreading knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ and enlightenment throughout the earth as belonging to chapters foretelling the warning message and explaining why believers hold their faith.Ms 52, 1900, par. 37–39+2

The sent word stands against wrongdoing and will not support iniquity, so it opposes unjust business dealings contrary to God's precepts and will accomplish His will instead.Ms 2, 1897, par. 21–23+2 Light and messages given for publication are meant to reach the people, and hindering their circulation cannot make the word void, for it is certain to achieve its purpose.Ms 2, 1897, par. 21–23+1 God sends His message by whom He will and completes His work in righteousness without dependence on any particular leaders, so even if experienced workers designed to be used refuse and stand aloof, the work advances without them while refusers fail of their appointed part, become a hindrance instead of a blessing, meet loss that can never be regained even with later repentance, and must repent of every detail of resistance.Lt 77, 1893, par. 36–39+2 His Word will bring about reforms, though only at great cost and against great odds.Lt 77, 1893, par. 36–39+2

Like rain and snow watering the earth to bring forth seed for the sower and bread for the eater, the word going forth from God never comes back empty but accomplishes what He pleases and prospers where He sends it.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+4 That unfailing word carries God's free offer to the thirsty and moneyless to come, hear, live, and receive an everlasting covenant, and it calls the wicked to forsake his way and the unrighteous his thoughts.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+2 It is a call to seek the Lord while He may be found, to call upon Him while He is near, and to return to Him for mercy and abundant pardon, because His thoughts and ways are as high above human thoughts and ways as the heavens are above the earth.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+4 Taken into heart and mind with gratitude for past mercies and for light on the path, instead of faithlessness, complaining, faultfinding and murmuring, and reflected back upon souls in darkness, it fits believers by the Holy Spirit for missionary work.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19+1 Those who surrender in response need not despair, for they go forward with full assurance that angels of God will make impressions upon the minds of those for whom they labor.3MR 226.2–7+1

The thought of a sinner that God has given him up to the enemy because of his sins and will not pardon so great a sinner is not correct and true, and it dishonors God.Lt 98, 1893, par. 22–23 His promise to have mercy and abundantly pardon will not return void but will accomplish what He pleases and prosper where He sends it, leading the pardoned sinner out with joy and peace.Lt 98, 1893, par. 22–23+1 Groaning, shrieking in agony, and torturing the soul over sin does no good, and human studying and entertaining ideas about what will condemn and what will save avails nothing.Lt 98, 1893, par. 18–19 Even feeling himself the greatest sinner, a person should put away his own thoughts and trust God's word instead, lifting up his head and looking away from self and sin and from the serpent's poisonous bite to the uplifted Saviour Christ provides.Lt 98, 1893, par. 22–23+1

Because God's ways and thoughts are so high above human ways and thoughts, success is not found by pleasing worldlings nor by following hereditary and cultivated tendencies and the customs and criterion of the world.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+1 It is not found by exalting self above fellow workers with harsh words, self-importance, self-exaltation, domineering and oppression, nor by human methods such as reading character from the shape of the head.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+1 It is found by trusting in God, looking to Jesus, denying self, taking up the cross and following Him, and building the house on solid rock, which is Jesus Christ.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19 His word and grace can overcome inherited weaknesses, bring the new birth, restore God's moral image, and fit people for the work He has chosen for them.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19+1

The same word stands among reproof and warning to God's people, and to sinners in Zion, especially to those in high positions carrying great responsibilities who have disregarded reproof, accepted only the words they choose, and neglected the duty to warn people to understand what is truth.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30+1 It requires thorough work, putting away the evil of works, stopping complaining and evil working, coming nigh, repenting and being converted, because human ways are not accepted of God.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 12–14 Taking these words brings a reformation through the congregation and the appearing of the Lord to the conviction and conversion of souls.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 12–14 With Isaiah 50-58 and Isaiah 55-58, it is to be diligently studied by pastors and people to arouse from spiritual stupidity, to wake up those in the cities who profess present truth to give to others what the Lord has given them, and to arise and shine with the precious light of the gospel message.Lt 32a, 1910, par. 12–14+1

The promise gives confidence for spiritual sowing, for work done with the word sent out for its appointed purpose will not be fruitless even when results are not yet visible and it is unknown which effort will prosper.ED 105.2–3+2 Servants are to sow in faith beside all waters, doing their work and leaving results with God and expecting a harvest.ED 105.2–3+1 Even when good seed lies unnoticed for a time in a cold, selfish, worldly heart with no evidence of root, the Spirit will breathe upon the soul and the hidden seed will spring up and at last bear fruit to the glory of God.ED 105.2–3+2 Divine truth faithfully taught may remain in the memory of a careless student or hearer, and the Holy Spirit will water the seed that was sown and later bring it to life.CT 435.2+2 When the teacher's work is wrought in God, lessons linger even in the most careless mind, and often after many days spring up and bear fruit.6T 159.2+1

Workers for the good of others are encouraged and their faith strengthened when they are permitted to see evidence of grace working upon the hearts and lives of those for whom they labor.GW 515.2–516.1+2 As surely as rain and snow water the earth to produce seed for the sower and bread for the eater, the word does not fail but carries out what is pleasing and succeeds where it is sent.GW 515.2–516.1+2 Its fulfillment is seen in transformation of character, with evil passions cast out and the graces of the Spirit developed and brought into hearts and lives.GW 515.2–516.1+2 Those working in harmony with the divine plan will go forward with joy and peace, and their work will bear lasting fruit as a sign that shall not be cut off.GW 515.2–516.1+2 This certainty warrants strong expectation and supports patience, perseverance, and faith, giving reason to labor in faith and expect great things from pledged power.Lt 261, 1899, par. 3–4+1

Heralds of the gospel must never become discouraged and must never count even the most hardened sinner as beyond the reach of grace.GW 267.2+2 The one who looks hopeless may still receive the truth in love and surrender to Christ, since He who directs human hearts as rivers of water are directed can bring the most selfish, sin-hardened soul to Christ to become the salt of the earth, for nothing is too hard for Him to do.GW 267.2+2 Saving souls depends on firm faith in the word rather than on money, since all riches cannot save one soul.Lt 49, 1903, par. 14–15+1 That faith is expressed in increased prayer by church members for preachers, prayer by ministers for themselves and for the people, consecration of all powers, and more earnest prayer for the deep moving of the Spirit to draw near to souls through His power, turn them from earthly to heavenly things and to Christ exalted as all and in all, soften even the hardest heart, and rescue those whom the adversary seeks to destroy.Lt 49, 1903, par. 14–15+1

A message coming directly from above through servants accomplishes the work for which it is sent, and that includes making people of different nationalities one in Christ.9T 179.3–180.1+2 Those who are decidedly French, decidedly German, or decidedly American become just as decidedly Christlike while remaining distinctly of their own nationality.9T 179.3–180.1+2 He understands every nationality and knows just what each needs, giving a message suited to them, so success does not depend on human skill in meeting different peoples in just the right way.STB 170.3–4+1

The same certainty applies to spreading the gospel message and supporting its spread, including supporting a house of worship that will send it forth, that the promises may be brought to fulfillment.Lt 397, 1904, par. 1–4+1 Sowing the seed in places and among people not previously planned for can multiply its reach, so that thousands who have never heard may receive the truth.9T 130.1 The saving and precious Word is the bread of life to be planted in many hearts and shared with hungry souls, carried to friends, neighbors, and others so they may take hold of eternal realities.Ms 93, 1909, par. 16–17+1 When believers minister the word of truth, the Spirit sends it home to hearts where it can lead to salvation.Ms 93, 1909, par. 16–17+1 Health work is to be established where multitudes gather so the last message of mercy shines forth and yields many souls for the labor, and in that work He is the Master-worker whose power will bring about what He intends, as seen in the Battle Creek Sanitarium.Lt 397, 1904, par. 1–4+1

The message is sent by whom He will, and He will complete His work in righteousness without having to explain or justify His choice of messenger to satisfy human curiosity.FE 472.1+2 Even when its messengers are not whom people expected and even if experienced workers designed to be used refuse the message and stand aloof, the work still advances without them.FE 472.1+2 Those who refuse fail of doing what was designed for them, become a hindrance instead of a blessing, meet loss that can never be regained even if they repent at last, and must repent of every detail of resistance.Lt 77, 1893, par. 36–39+1 Genuine revelation bears divine credentials and carries the spirit and power of truth, coming as a solemn message rather than rapid excited words, sanctifying its channel, purifying thoughts, cleansing hands, and making the heart pure, while precious truth never enters error and licentiousness nor comes through an impure and deceptive channel.SG4 217.2–3+2 Words based on personal experience and unsanctified judgment are merely human counsel, not His word.SG4 217.2–3+1

The fulfillment of the word that does not return empty is seen when grace enters hearts and lives to transform character, casting out evil passions and developing the graces of the Holy Spirit.GW 515.2–516.1+1 When workers for the good of others are permitted to see that evidence of grace working upon those for whom they labor, they are encouraged and their faith is strengthened.GW 515.2–516.1+1

When people let the word work in them, it accomplishes its purpose and prospers in the work for which it is sent, presenting eternal truth and instructing followers on to know God through the Holy Spirit.Ms 81, 1909, par. 3–4+1 Taken into heart and mind with gratitude for past mercies and for light on the path, and reflected back upon souls in darkness instead of faithlessness, complaining, faultfinding and murmuring, it fits church members by the Holy Spirit for missionary work to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ.Lt 134, 1900, par. 13–15 It gives assurance that physicians of bodies can also become physicians of souls, calling them to seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, forsake wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts, and return for mercy and abundant pardon.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19+1 Because God's thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways as the heavens are higher than the earth, success is not found by pleasing worldlings or following hereditary and cultivated tendencies and worldly customs and standards, but by trusting God, looking to Jesus, denying self, taking up the cross, and building on the solid rock which is Christ.Lt 124, 1900, par. 18–19 Receiving Christ inwardly gives wisdom, so education is to be grounded in understanding, applying, and living out the figures and teachings of the written word rather than relying on the world to complete it.Ms 131, 1909, par. 22

Because the word that goes out from His mouth does what He desires and succeeds in its errand as surely as rain and snow soak the earth to make it sprout and yield seed for the sower and bread for the eater, the mouth should not speak twisted things or unbelief but should speak hope in trust that His word will accomplish its purpose.Lt 274, 1903, par. 5+2 There is to be no uttering of perverseness, talking darkness, or talking discouragement when crops fail or work is hindered, but thanking God, talking light, rejoicing in the Lord, and holding up the hands of fellow workers.Lt 49, 1901, par. 6–8 Saving souls depends on firm faith in that unfailing word rather than on money, since all riches cannot save one soul, and that faith is to be expressed in prayer by church members for gospel preachers, prayer by ministers for themselves and for God's people, and more earnest prayer for the deep moving of the Holy Spirit with consecration of all powers to rescue those Satan seeks to destroy.Lt 49, 1903, par. 14–15 God Himself works on the minds of His human workers to teach them to speak words that fit the need, and the truth they present has power because the worker trusts the Mighty One who makes hearts ready for the seed of truth.Lt 49, 1902, par. 36–37

When God reveals what is hidden His word does not fail, for He knows what is in darkness and light dwells with Him, and He makes no mistake about what people are able to carry.STMW9 61.1+2 His declaration will therefore stand that those who murmur and complain and ambitiously seek more power and greater responsibility cannot carry responsibility, while those who dedicate themselves to Him without reserve in earnest prayer and faith He will honor and bless with a clear mind.20MR 116.6

The unfailing word that accomplishes what He pleases brings comfort and encouragement especially when discouraged, showing an open door where God can be met and earnestly sought and found.Ms 71, 1911, par. 1–4+1 Entering that door requires the meekness Christ showed in life and character, humbling the heart before God and standing in right relation to Him.Ms 71, 1911, par. 1–4 It comforts ministers who know their weakness and faults yet do their best, with Christ's presence with them always to the end of the world.Lt 49, 1902, par. 36–37 It honors the faith of those who sacrifice in His service by accomplishing its work among them, and those who hold the truth in righteousness can trust that it will prosper in bringing light to people with no obstacle able to prevent God's purpose.Lt 18, 1912, par. 11+1 What He has said He has done so His word cannot be doubted, therefore truth prevails over falsehood, misrepresentation and opposition, as in Nashville and the Southern field in the last days, and His work moves forward leaving behind the elements that would block the way, so truth must be uncovered and not blanketed.Lt 208, 1902, par. 31