Isaiah was a man who spoke with fire-touched lips. His words reflect God’s desire for humanity. The entire book reveals the Father’s mercy and desire to restore us to himself. At times that desire is experienced through refining fire, and at other times through gentle compassion that overwhelms our souls. And rest assured: his glory is tangible on every page.

The book of Isaiah has come alive to me in ways I never knew possible. Each day as I sat to write the devotions in The Vision: 365 Days of Life-Giving Words from the Prophet Isaiah, the presence of Yahweh gripped my soul with such passion and power I could scarcely write. But the truth is that it took me quite a while to say yes to this project. Although I had already written several devotionals for The Passion Translation, this one felt too big. Too holy. And I had many other reasons why I would never be able to do the book of Isaiah justice. But Brian Simmons encouraged me to keep praying about it, so I did. The day the Lord told me to take the assignment, I quickly emailed the publisher before I could change my mind.

All of the devotionals I’ve written have very special places in my heart. Each one is personal and a testimony to God’s grace. But The Vision has been my favorite project so far. Writing it wrecked me in the best possible way because I felt his love more tangibly than during any other book I’ve written. The encounters with the Word, this living, fiery breath of life, whispered revelation that awakened my heart. Many times, I just closed my eyes and listened to him as I wrote. His overwhelming love for the reader was evident and, at times, so overpowering that I had to ask him to lift it enough for me to write. With tears streaming down my face, I was completely undone by the treasures of love found in Isaiah. These are the treasures we believe the reader will discover for themselves in The Vision.

I am so happy I said yes to this project! It was a very tangible reminder of Isaiah 40:31:

“Those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.”

Isaiah 40:31 TPT

We’re excited to share that this new devotional from Brian and me, The Vision: 365 Days of Life-Giving Words from the Prophet Isaiah, releases on February 4^th. And so for this Fuel Your Passion post we want to share the first devotion.

This is our prayer for you: that all of the devotions contained in The Vision will usher you into God’s presence, where you come face-to-face with the King of love, mercy, and perfect desire. And my personal prayer is that you would be as touched and transformed reading it as I was writing it.

– Gretchen Rodriguez

Day 1 – The Journey Begins

Come now and let’s deliberate over the next steps to take together. Yahweh promises you over and over:

“Though your sins stain you like scarlet, I will whiten them like bright, new-fallen snow! Even though they are deep red like crimson, they will be made white like wool!”

Isaiah 1:18 TPT

At the beginning of our journey, the Lord initiates relationship. His offer of forgiveness and cleansing opens the door to communication. “Come and let’s deliberate,” he says, extending not only salvation but also friendship to those who have yet to know him. Will we remain in darkness, or accept his offer? We are free to choose.

This invitation to walk with him into freedom isn’t forced. Love is not demanding or imposing. Even while we are yet sinners, love reaches out. Although he could have stopped there—offering freedom from sin and the gift of eternal life—he beckons us into friendship. Into oneness. Into partnership. Together we walk the path that leads to holiness. In complete surrender to his unselfish love, we find our identity. We find our joy. We discover who we were created to be by surrendering to the One who redeems our soul. Come, explore the mystery of holy union. Come, take his hand.

Lord, thank you for your unfathomable love. For extending the gift of salvation. For continuing to draw me close, with passion and mercy. I confess my great need—not only for your cleansing but to be fully consumed by you until nothing remains in me but your holiness.