From Barrenness to Blessing: God’s Promises for the Ekklesia in 5786

Joyful Expections

Revisiting a Word from the Lord

This morning, I felt led to revisit a word the Lord gave me in 2019, concerning the upcoming Hebraic year 5786, a time that is poised to bring forth new beginnings and significant transformation. As I reflected on the prophetic message, I couldn’t help but ponder the deeper implications it might hold for my life as well as the Ekklesia as a whole.

With the approach of each new Hebraic year I seek the Lord for insight as to how I might align my heart, mind and actions with God’s purpose and intentions. What I’m getting by the Spirit is that 5786 will be a year to be securely anchored in our relationship with God as to get ready for profound spiritual awakening and renewal. Considering this, my anticipation is off the charts. I can’t wait to see what is in store as 5786 unfolds.

A quick overview of the two Hebrew letters that identify 5786 are peh [80] and vov [6].

When examining the symbolism of the Hebrew letters one thing we look at is how the letter is constructed. In doing so we might ask; what is inside (in the white space) of the letter peh ?

In the belly of the peh is letter bet. And inside the belly of bet is vov. Bet represents a heart or house. The vov within the bet is like a wick. It is what sets the heart ablaze.

The vov looks like a tent peg. It represents what we are connected to. The peh is a mouth. Out of the heart the mouth speaks. The words of our mouth have the power to set things ablaze, for good or for bad.

Okay, with this in mind, I was taken back to the verse the Lord gave me in 2019 for the year 5786, Isaiah 54.2 “Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes in deep.” In order to get a fuller picture we need to look at the first part of the statement which begins in verse 1.

Get Ready to Take In More of God’s Blessing

“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. Isaiah. 54.1 BSB

Break it Down

In scripture, shouting for joy despite barrenness symbolizes rejoicing in God’s promises and blessings even before they are physically manifested. It signifies a deep-seated faith that trusts in God’s power to overcome limitations and bring about unexpected fruitfulness. The “barren woman” metaphor represents those who are experiencing some kind of emptiness or lack. Yet they are being assured of God’s promise of favor and abundant blessings to come and restore.

In the Bible, barrenness, particularly for women, is portrayed as a profound challenge, yet it also signifies potential and hope. In Isaiah 54:1, the prophet is beautifully likening a barren woman to Israel in exile, illustrating the depth of their longing for restoration and fulfillment. However, God assures them of a glorious future, promising to bless and multiply them. He gives them His word that He is coming to transform their current struggles giving them a future filled with abundance and joy.

Shout for Joy

The command to “shout for joy” is not just a suggestion; it’s a beautiful act of faith. It’s a bold declaration that even in challenging circumstances, God’s promise of restoration ecipses our desolate emptiness. This joy emerges out of our connection with God. It flows through the conduit of the Spirit reaffirming and igniting our trust in God’s unshakable and irrefutable character, His incredible power to fulfill His word, and His amazing ability to bring forth delightful surprises and blessings.

Barrenness

Descriptively, the concept of barrenness opens up a world of possibilities beyond the idea of physical reproduction. It can represent spiritual dryness, a lack of spiritual growth, or a sense of feeling unproductive in one’s faith. Think of what the propheti Isaiah had already said God was going to do to the barren wasteland.

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35.1 NLT

Here’s what the prophet Ezekiel relayed from God concerning the barren wasteland:

The fields that used to lie empty and desolate in plain view of everyone will again be farmed. And when I bring you back, people will say, ‘This former wasteland is now like the Garden of Eden! The abandoned and ruined cities now have strong walls and are filled with people!’ Ezekiel 36.34-35 NLT

I think you get the idea

The promise of more children for the desolate woman boldly signifies a multiplication of blessing. It’s a restorative promise. Rather than being stagnant, dry and lacking, her womb will begin to bring forth blessing after blessing after blessing. She becomes fertile and prolific surrounded by continual blessing.

This fruitfulness is not limited to earthly things. It can also be a reference to the overflow of the Spirit of the Lord. It can point to awakening and revival. It could mean a fresh and powerful infusion and out pouring of Holy Spiri that causes powerful manifestations of God’s blessing resulting in miracles, signs and wonders. It can also include a surge of disciples, and spiritual impact that far exceeds any expectations.

Drive Your Stakes Deep

“Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back. Lengthen your ropes and drive your stakes in deep.” Isaiah 54.2 BSB

The phrase ‘drive your stakes deep’ from Isaiah 54.2 strikes a cord with me today. The imagery is used to express the need for expansion. Like putting an addition on your home because you currently don’t have room for all the children that are coming into your lives. This isn’t like putting up a puptent. No, this is about expanding and securing the place you live.

Here’s another metaphor to help us grasp the idea. Let’s say you are a newly married couple and find that you are expecting your first child. You go for your first sonagram and find that you are having five babies. Yes, that’s right FIVE! Holy Moly!!!! Now what do we do? We have a one bedroom apartment. We only have one bassinet. Well guess what?! You’re going to have to plan for more. You’re going to have to get five cribs, and five sets of everything. This is bigger, more expansive than you first imagined.

To go from being like a barren wasteland to being a prolific garden is a cute way of saying, what was neglected and overlooked is now going to demand your attention. Many in the Ekklesia have been experiencing a time of barrenness. For these it has been a time of diminishing. God is saying 5786 is the turnaround.

Remember the prophetic word given in 5782 [1 Peter 5.10 – And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.]

God is saying, “Your hopeless desperation is about to be consumed by joy and gladness.

As the Ekklesia (the barren woman) rejoices, awakening and revival starts breaking out all around her. Despite her current lack, abundance will cause her to burst at the seams! Glory to God!!!! The Ekklesia will be bringing forth disciples once again as the new apostolic company emerges.

It will be more important than ever to look through eyes of faith

We cannot look at our circumstances through eyes of doubt. We must remain in faith, believing that God is with us and will watch over His word to perform it! Hallelujah!!!!!!!

The blessedness of the reversal from barrenness and desolation is a splendid reward for the servant, showcasing the profound transformation that blossoms through divine intervention and grace.

This uplifting narrative serves as a powerful reminder that what seems impossible can truly become possible, highlighting the miraculous ability of God as our shouts of faith unlock the windows of blessing. Vitality and abundance will take up residence where there was once emptiness.

As we embrace this beautiful promise, we will reflect God’s divine nature of renewal, inviting others to experience the flourishing that arises from trust in God and the fulfillment of His Word.

Wrapping It Up

In revisiting the Word from the Lord for 5786, I find it to be a profound challenge to revisit the promise God spoke to me personally that has yet to come to pass. Not just for myself but for the greater Ekklesia, I believe we are in the time of fulfillment. It’s time to revisit those visions and words God gave to you that are sitting on the shelf. Get those out and let Holy Spirit reignite your heart with God’s promise. Speak out those words by faith.

As I embrace this transformative year, I invite others to join me in actively nurturing our faith, celebrating our victories in the face of challenges, and preparing our hearts to receive the blessings that await us.