SPRING FORTH NOW 2026

February 16

Listen, far-flung islands, pay attention, faraway people:God put me to work from the day I was born.  The moment I entered the world he named me.  He gave me speech that would cut and penetrate.  He kept his hand on me to protect me.  He made me his straight arrow and hid me in his quiver.  He said to me, “You’re my dear servant, Israel, through whom I’ll shine.”

But I said, “I’ve worked for nothing.  I’ve nothing to show for a life of hard work.  Nevertheless, I’ll let God have the last word.  I’ll let him pronounce his verdict.”

Isaiah 49:1-4 (MSG)

You were named before you were noticed, and called before you were affirmed. Isaiah 49:1–4 (The Message) reveals a servant shaped in obscurity, sharpened in private, and sent with purpose that did not begin on stage. Knowing Your Blindspots means admitting how quickly discouragement can lead you to believe your labor has been wasted. God’s vantage point is High And Lifted Up, and from there, no effort rooted in obedience is ever invisible. For Black people whose gifts have often been overlooked or underestimated, this passage restores confidence in divine timing and design. What feels hidden is being honed, and what feels delayed is being aligned. Let every generation lift their focus, steady their hands, and trust that calling is not canceled by quiet seasons.