What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.”
_{Luke 1:36-37 NLT}

Pleading prayers dwindled
hope slipped into acceptance
of names
people used to call her.

We believe
the barren
the lack
what seems unproductive
is something to be fixed.

What if it’s not?

What if the barren is God’s doing? Is it possible we were chosen to endure desolate for a greater purpose and plan? Could it be our infertile places are like signs pointing to the truth that God’s word will never fail?

This might be harder to take then blaming ourselves. Because if the desolate is our fault, then there’s something we can do about it. Yet God doesn’t receive glory in the ways we fix ourselves.

We do.

What if, like Elizabeth, our barren brings God glory?

Glory that comes
when waiting
makes way for wonder
and turns what
people call her
into what
people used to call her.

The Lord is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God,
    who is seated on high,
who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
    making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
_{Psalm 113:4-9 ESV}