“Sing, O barren,
You who have not borne!
Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,
You who have not labored with child!
For more are the children of the desolate
Than the children of the married woman,”
says the Lord.
“Enlarge the place of your tent,
And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings;
Do not spare;
Lengthen your cords,
And strengthen your stakes.”
– Isaiah 54:1-2
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, our hearts be stirred with a fresh expectation for what God desires to do in and through His people. The church is called to live with joyful expectation which is not limited to current circumstances or what we see, but grounded in God being faithful to His word.
Most of us start out each new year with a desire for growth in different aspects of our lives and mostly in our relationship with the Lord. But if we do not anticipate and truly desire growth, we will falter in our preparation and commitment to it. Israel, like a barren woman, was instructed to worship and praise despite their lack.
In seasons where our growth, fruitfulness or impact may feel limited, the Spirit calls us to lift our voices in anticipation.
Our praise and worship brings alignment and preparation to our hearts. Joy becomes our strength because of faith and fulfilment in Him. Through the Holy Spirit, we become expectant to see His promises coming to fruition.
An expectant mother often experiences both joy and discomfort. There are changes, stretching and a time of waiting that feels slow and uncertain. Likewise, when God prepares to bring growth and greater fruitfulness in us, it is often accompanied with being stretched beyond our comfort zones.
May we as a local church enter this year as a people “expecting” – readying our hearts, just as lovingly and focused as when a family prepares for a new life. Let us make room – clearing away distractions, releasing old burdens and opening our lives to a fresh work of the Holy Spirit.
May we embrace the stretching and bear with one another in love, cultivating joyful anticipation and making room for what God desires to bring forth.
When God births something within His people, it is always life-giving, purpose-filled, Kingdom-focused and aimed at bringing Him all the glory!
