Breaking Out of Barrenness: Expanding Your Belief for God's Blessings
Bishop Leonard Chatham
Have you ever felt stuck, unproductive, or spiritually barren? Like you're going through the motions but not really growing or bearing fruit? I've been there, and I want to share some powerful truths that can help you break out of that place and step into a season of expansion and blessing.
The Song of the Redeemed
You know, there's something powerful about a song. Not just any song, but one that captures exactly where you are and speaks hope into your situation. That's the kind of song God wants to give His people. In Isaiah 54:1, the prophet declares:
"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.
This isn't just about physical barrenness - it's about any area of our lives where we feel unproductive or unfulfilled. God is saying, "I'm about to turn things around for you in such a dramatic way that you can't help but sing about it!"
But here's the thing about this new song:
It has to have good lyrics - words that reach out and touch you deeply.
It needs a catchy melody - something that makes you want to repeat it over and over.
It should have rich harmony - different parts coming together to create something beautiful.
When God gives you a new song, it's not just empty words or a nice tune. It's a declaration of what He's doing in your life that touches your mind, emotions, and spirit.
Enlarging Your Tent
Now, singing this new song is just the beginning. God also calls us to make room for the increase He wants to bring. Isaiah 54:2-3 says:
"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities."
This is a powerful metaphor for expanding our capacity to receive from God. Here's what it means practically:
Enlarge your thinking - Don't be afraid to ask God for more. As I often say, "Lord, I need more!"
Make room for more - This isn't just mental; it requires action. You have to physically move things around in your life to create space for God's blessings.
Expect things to change - God is promising to take you beyond your current limitations.
Remember, "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13). We have to keep our faith active, even when circumstances look bleak.
Overcoming Barrenness
Let's be real - barrenness can take many forms in our lives:
Depression: Feeling weighed down and unable to move forward.
Unproductivity: Lacking the drive or ability to produce desired results.
Emptiness: A sense of purposelessness or lack of fulfillment.
Idleness: Becoming comfortable with inaction or handouts.
But God's promise is clear: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
God has a well-thought-out plan for your life, even accounting for the mistakes and detours along the way. He sees the end from the beginning and is working all things together for your good.
Putting It Into Practice
So how do we partner with God in this process of expansion? Here are some practical steps:
Write your new song - Take time to reflect on God's goodness and put your faith into words. Even if you're not musically inclined, write out a declaration of praise and thanksgiving.
Identify areas for enlargement - Where in your life do you need to make room for increase? It could be in your schedule, your relationships, or your personal goals.
Take action to create space - What physical steps can you take to prepare for God's blessings? This might mean decluttering your home, reorganizing your time, or letting go of activities that no longer serve your purpose.
Cultivate expectancy - Start each day with an attitude of anticipation. Declare, "This is the day the LORD has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
Stay in community - Surround yourself with people who will encourage your faith and hold you accountable to your commitments.
Remember, God is ready to do something new in your life. As I often tell my congregation, "Don't judge me for where I am - this too shall pass!" Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, stay faithful in the process, and watch as He turns your barrenness into abundance.
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