From Barren to Blessed

Opening Verse

“And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” – Isaiah 62:7 (KJV)

Introduction

In the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy lies a call to persistent prayer and intercession. This verse is a powerful reminder of our role in God’s plan for restoration and praise.

Devotional Story

In a small village, there lived a dedicated gardener named Santiago. His garden was his pride and joy, but it was situated next to a neglected and barren plot of land that belonged to the village. Every day, Santiago would look over the fence, dreaming of turning that wasteland into a flourishing extension of his garden.

One day, Santiago decided to take action. He began to clear the land, remove the weeds, and prepare the soil, all while praying for the village’s support and permission to transform the plot. Despite initial resistance, his persistence in prayer and action eventually won the village’s approval.

Years later, the once barren land became a beautiful park, praised by all who visited. Santiago’s dedication mirrored the call in Isaiah 62:7 to not rest until the mission is fulfilled, showing the power of persistent prayer and action.

What This Means

Isaiah 62:7 isn’t just about praying for the physical city of Jerusalem; it’s a metaphor for being relentless in our prayers for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Like Santiago, we are called to be gardeners in this world, working and praying without ceasing for the restoration of all things.

Think About This

Consider the “barren plots” in your life or community. How can you, through persistent prayer and action, be a part of God’s restoration plan?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the strength and perseverance to pray without ceasing for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to be agents of change, transforming barren plots into places of beauty and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:” – Isaiah 62:8 (KJV)