One Was Old, Another Barren

Verse 1

One was old, another barren, and a third was young and fair, when God promised wondrous blessings for the sons they were to bear. Though incredible each promise, yet they trusted and believed, guarding closely in their hearts the visions that they had received.

Verse 2

Sarah must have told her baby, as she calmed his anxious cry, "God has promised you more children than the stars up in the sky! Little Isaac, kings and nations will descend from you one day, destined to inherit blessings if they follow in God's way."

Verse 3

And Elizabeth, once barren, must have whispered to her son, "Someday, John, you'll be God's herald to announce the Promised One! Someday you will speak with courage words from God for all to hear, calling people to repentance, telling them the Christ is near."

Verse 4

Mary must have echoed prophets in her cradle lullabies, "Jesus, you will be our Savior, Christ the Lord, Love's great surprise! Someday I may watch you suffer, and your pain may pierce my soul, but I trust that God will heal my broken heart and make it whole."

Verse 5

God, we thank you for these mothers and the faith they had to share. May we also trust your promise for the children in our care, that through us the Spirit’s blessings may upon them come to fall, giving them the strength and courage to be faithful to your call.