The Barren Place
“Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son.”
Today, we hear about two barren women who birthed great warriors for the church. I often relate to women who carry fertility issues because we, as singles, also carry a longing for something more, and it can be a deep ache. But today’s scripture readings remind us that nothing is beyond the reach of God.
The Father has a history of choosing barren women to demonstrate His glory - from Sarah to Samson’s mother, Manoah, to Elizabeth. These women were written off as barren, but God decided, “I’m going to work a miracle there.”
God has a history of bringing life into the barren places.
When God decided to use Sarah and Manoah and Elizabeth, He simply made it so. He healed and brought life forth without any qualms about their infertility. And when God brought life, it wasn’t just any life, but He breathed life into great warriors for the Kingdom. And just like God brought life into the wombs of the barren women in the bible, God will bring forth life in the barren places of your heart.
Sisters, whatever feels barren this Advent, whatever seems lacking, know that God has a beautiful promise ready to take its place. So bring your barren places to the Father. He loves to work miracles and offer healing. He loves to bring life forth and surprise you with His generosity. This Advent, trust that He can work a miracle for you. It’s completely in His realm of abilities. Let hope arise! He has a history of bringing life into the barren places. Let Him.
Father,
Thank You for Your generous heart. Thank You for bringing life into the broken places, into the dead places, into the hopeless places, and into the barren places.
Father, help us to draw near to You. Help us to bear our hearts before You. Help us to trust You with the barren, vulnerable places of our hearts. Give us the courage to press into the hope You offer us and trust in Your vision for our lives.
God, we love You. We’re so grateful for the love You show and the way You bring life into every place - including the barren ones. Amen.