Isaiah 54:1 “Sing, O barren woman,
you who never bore a child;
burst into song, shout for joy,
you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
than of her who has a husband,”
says the Lord.

I’m sure this verse has given comfort and hope to many physically barren women, but for how many did that hope turn empty? This does not appear to be a conditional promise, as in, “if, then,” but neither is it a blanket promise that applies to everyone. If God speaks this verse to someone’s heart, then hallelujah! However, desperately combing the Bible for verses that speak to your desires is closely akin to practicing magic, because it is trying to manipulate God. We are to pray and not give up, but neither are we to insist that our scenario be followed. I’m reminded of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was certainly earnest, heartfelt, and pure, but He left the situation in the Father’s hands. (Matthew 26:36-44) God is more than able to bring this verse to fulfillment in anyone’s life, but we can’t “name it and claim it” unless He speaks it to us. If He does, then nothing can stop it from being fulfilled. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

This verse and the following one are something I wholeheartedly desire to be fulfilled for this church, but I can’t make it happen in my own wisdom and strength. Actually, “barren” seems to be a fitting adjective for the Church in Japan as a whole, at least compared to other countries. This situation comes up for discussion just about every time pastors gather, and the conference this week was no exception. Missionaries to Japan have agonized over this issue for over a hundred years. I honestly believe that God has a great harvest in store for Japan, but I can’t dictate the timing of it. What I can do is be faithfully obedient, living out what He speaks to me through His Word and trusting Him with the outcome. I am not to dream up ways to “make it happen” on my own, but I am to accept whatever dreams He gives me and apply myself to them fully, not holding anything back. Fully submitted to Him, I am to stand firm against the devil in my own life, in this church, and in this nation, so that the gates of hell may fall and multitudes be released, to pour into the kingdom of God for their salvation.

Father, You know my heart and you know my situation better than I do. I pray that Your will would be done on every level, for Cathy and me, for this church, for this city, for this nation, because I know that You are love and Your plan is the ultimate good. May Jesus Christ be Lord indeed, on every level, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!