Barren But Not Bitter

By Our Daily Bread

Read: Luke 1:5-17

They were both righteous before God . . . . But they had no child. —Luke 1:6-7

Barrenness, whether physical or spiritual, can lead to bitterness in some of God’s people. It can develop in the heart of a disappointed couple who cannot have a child. It can also occur when people serve God and see no results.

A missionary couple who served diligently for many years with no visible fruit asked in frustration, “Have we wasted our lives?” A young pastor and his wife labored 5 years for a thankless, unresponsive congregation, pouring out their lives for their people. “Do they even care?” the woman asked.

Zacharias and Elizabeth, mentioned in Luke 1, are a model for anyone who is facing physical or spiritual barrenness. The aged couple had an impeccable reputation, having faithfully and obediently served the Lord for many years (v.6). They had prayed for children, but none came. Yet instead of becoming bitter, they kept serving and obeying the Lord. In His time, God honored Zacharias and Elizabeth with a son named John, the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah (vv.13-17).

To avoid developing a bitter spirit in your life, faithfully serve and obey the Lord in the place where He has called you. Trust God to bless you in His time, in His way, and according to His plan.

Lord, keep me from being bitter
When things don't go my way,
And grant me Your grace and wisdom
To do Your will today. —Fitzhugh

Be faithful—and leave the results with God.