When He Speaks, He Stands By It.
He’s not just watching, He’s working it out.
Beloved Friend,
I read a book last week, and while I can’t quote every page, one part stopped me in my tracks. It said God watches over His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). I paused to let it sink in, and as I did, I couldn’t help but picture my sister in her garden. She’s one of those people who deeply loves her plants. Sometimes she makes videos, saying things like, “They’re still little now, but just watch, they’ll grow.” And guess what? They actually do. We harvested corn the other day, the pepper plants are fruiting, and my mum has been making soup with the vegetables. But the crops? They had no clue what was going on. They weren’t pacing back and forth worried about their size. They just stayed planted. It was my sister who watched over them. Watered. Pruned. Checked on them, even if half asleep. One step near that garden and she’s alert.
That’s the picture I saw when I read those words: He watches over His word. I imagined the Creator of the universe, the one holding galaxies in place, watching me and watching His words concerning me like that. Doting on me even more than my sister dotes on her garden. Cheering for me when His words begin to bear fruit in my life. And gently, but firmly, pulling out the weeds: fear, doubt, pride, comparison, laziness; anything that tries to choke His word. Sometimes His pruning hurts, but it’s proof He’s watching. Proof that He still intends to bring His word to pass.
This reflection feels especially poignant as we approach Palm Sunday. Tomorrow, April 13, 2025, we commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, a moment filled with anticipation and the fulfillment of prophecy. The crowds laid palm branches before Him, shouting “Hosanna,” recognizing Him as the promised King. Yet, within days, those same voices would call for His crucifixion. Despite knowing this, Jesus proceeded, fully aware of the path ahead. His journey into Jerusalem wasn’t just a fulfillment of prophecy; it was a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His word and His people.
It reminded me of something deeper; a personal moment with my dad (of blessed memory). In my final year at uni, I needed help with a bill. I was under pressure and frustrated, especially because he seemed to be sorting other things but hadn’t gotten to mine. One day, I threw a tantrum. Not proud of it, but I was trying to be dramatic enough to get his attention.
That night, I returned from my mum’s store and greeted him. He answered but then called me back. “If I hadn’t answered your greeting, how would you have felt?” I paused. Then he said, “Have I not always taken care of your needs? Even before you ask sometimes? Why would you assume I’d overlook this now?”
I felt so embarrassed. My dad wasn’t even angry, just quietly hurt. And it wasn’t about the money. It was that I doubted his intentions after all the consistency. I remember joking with my mum that night about how “cute” his vulnerability was, but I also resolved never to treat him that way again.
And then it hit me, if my earthly father, limited as he was, could be so invested, how much more my Father in Heaven? Jesus said it Himself, “If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more your Father in Heaven?” (Luke 11:13).
Doubt is not harmless. James 1: 6-7 says the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind, and that such a person shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. That’s serious. God doesn’t hide how He feels about unbelief. Hebrews 3:12 calls it an evil heart of unbelief that turns us away from the living God. And in Numbers 14:11, God asked Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?”
And really, if we’d just pause and reflect, we’d find that He’s been faithful. Over and over again. I’ve identified specific words He said to me in past seasons, and I saw how He carefully and patiently watched over them until they were fulfilled. He’s still watching. Still working. Still watering. You might not feel it, but it doesn’t make it any less real.
So dear friend, if His word has ever come to pass in your life, don’t let your soul be disquieted within you. He that began a good work will surely see it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
He’s not careless with His words. Not the type to hype you and leave you hanging. If He said it, He’s watching over it. Not as a passive observer, but as a deeply invested Father.
With thoughts of kindness,
ABBA’s Shofar