Rejoice, Oh Barren One!

Isaiah 54:1-3

“Rejoice, barren one, who did not give birth; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the forsaken one will be more than the children of the married woman.” says the LORD. “Enlarge the site of your tent and let your tent curtains be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will dispossess nations and inhabit the desolate cities.”

The barren woman weeps and laments over what she does not have. In this reference, the barren woman has neither husband nor child. She is alone with no hope for a family or a future unless God intervenes. While scholars say this represents the church, it can apply to any single woman today – widowed, divorced, or never married at all. Because Christ rose from the dead, we have hope for new life that will grow, expand, and take us beyond the limitations of a single or barren life if we will allow Him to work through us.

Women today are hurting for strong, godly male leadership. Satan has attacked male authority in our culture, leaving us vulnerable as women. Men lack the confidence to lead and are hurting, themselves. If we are ever going to be the women God created us to be, we must rise above the existing culture to follow the lead of the Savior in an environment that is hostile toward Him. When we do rise up and follow Him, however, He promises unprecedented growth. Instead of looking for a man to lead us, we need to become women leaders who will recognize His voice and His calling in our lives and pave the way for the next generation. We are to enlarge, stretch out, lengthen, and spread because our descendants will overcome nations and inhabit desolate cities as they fight the culture war before them.

God’s plan is always to bring life and growth to His people. Enlarge the site of your tent and let your curtains be stretched out. Drive your pegs deep – deep into the Word of God with Christ as your solid foundation. In Him we find new life and a reason to give others hope. Rejoice, oh, barren woman! God’s favor is upon you, and He will make you fruitful beyond your imagination.

Have a blessed day!