We grow up planning our lives, expecting them to turn out this way or that, only to discover that God's plans are quite different. For example, my friend expected to be married and have children. That never happened. While she doesn't miss a husband too much, she used to regret not having children. Now she smiles and admits that she only missed out on stretch marks, labour pains, and college fees.

The Bible says that the barren woman should sing:

Isaiah 54:1 – Sing, O barren one, you who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child! For the [spiritual] children of the desolate one will be more than the children of the married wife, says the Lord. (AMP)

While most parents strive to raise two or three biological children, over the years, my friend became the spiritual mother who influenced many more young lives for good.

After all, the Bible says,

Psalm 113:9 – He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of [spiritual] children. (AMP)

Today, her life is full and overflowing with all the children that she thought she would never have.

Isaiah 54:3b – Your offspring will possess the nations and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. (AMP)

She may not have given birth physically, but her heart has not missed out on any parental love.

Barren? Not her! She claims motherhood to hundreds and grandmotherhood to thousands! She laughs with delight and asks, "What more could a mother ask?"

Her circumstances are no different from ours. I never expected to be a widow at my age. Others find themselves in jobs totally foreign to their education. Does it matter as long as God is in charge?

Prayer: Father, teach us to trust You in our circumstances and always expect Your best. For the sake of Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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