by: Rick Walter
Genesis 20:18
“For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham’s wife.”
Abraham and Sarah traveled to a place called Gerar. We know the story. Abraham tells Sarah to lie about their relationship. He wanted her to say that she was his sister instead of his wife. Because of what he was told, Abimelech took Sarah and was going to make her his wife; however, God intervened and did not let him touch her. Although, God did cause all of the women in the house to become barren by closing up their wombs.
My question is this, are you a barren soul winner? Are you struggling as a soul winner? When was the last time you were able to show someone how to be saved? Honestly, we all have gone through barren times. Why is that, and how do we get out of that rut?
1. Soul winning is like giving birth spiritually.
How many times did the Apostle Paul call someone “My son?” He said it about several people. Was he really their father? No, but he had won them to Christ.
2. God wants us to bear “children.”
Psalm 127:3 says, “the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
John 4:38 says, “I sent you to reap…”
God wants and expects us to “give birth.”
3. God opens and closes the womb.
In verse 18, the Bible makes it clear that God is the One Who made them barren. He had a reason for making them barren. If I am a barren soul winner, then I must try to find out why.
4. Barrenness distressed those affected by it.
Abimelech was distressed. Later on Hannah was distressed. Rachel was distressed. If I am not seeing people saved and have become barren in my soul winning, it should distress me. I should not be content with barrenness when I know that God wants me to “have children.”
5. Barrenness was overcome by prayer.
Abraham prayed for Abimelech. Hannah prayed. Those affected by barrenness should do what Hannah did. Fall on your knees with a broken heart, pour out your soul to God and beg Him to open your spiritual womb once again. Psalm 126:5-6 says, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Rick Walter
Pastor
Victory Baptist Church
Winthrop, ME