Hi Friend,
I want to bring something to you today that I believe is deeply significant for this moment in history. Have you ever heard this phrase? “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things?”
It is found in Isaiah chapter 66, verse 8. And the full verse goes on to ask: “Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once?” Then it answers its own question with something that has captured me for years. “As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her sons.”
That is where we are going today—into the realm of travail, birthing prayer, and the purposes of God for this generation.
This is a theme that has marked me deeply over the years. In Scripture, there is a pattern I find absolutely stunning. Every time in scripture when a barren woman enters into desperate, persistent prayer, her prayers release supernatural results. In every single case, without exception, the child born from that place of travail becomes either a prophet or a deliverer of a nation.
I taught these truths around the world for many years, and it has never lost its impact. Here are the seven examples specifically named in scripture:
• Sarah, who brought forth Isaac — Genesis 11, 18, 21
• Rebecca, who brought forth Esau and Jacob — Genesis 25
• Rachel, who brought forth Joseph and Benjamin — Genesis 29–35
• Manoah’s wife, who brought forth Samson — Judges 13
• Ruth, who brought forth Obed — Ruth 4
• Hannah, who brought forth Samuel — 1 Samuel 1
• Elizabeth, who brought forth John the Baptist — Luke 1
Seven. But I told you there are eight. And the eighth is the one that changes everything.Isaiah 66:8 gives us a portrait of the eighth barren woman. And her name is Zion. Here’s one definition for us to consider: Zion is the assembly of God’s people in divine order. And the promise spoken over her is that, “as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her sons.”
Eight is the number of new beginnings.
As we move into this season of America’s 250th anniversary, as we continue to cry out for a Third Great Awakening, and as the Global Prayer Storm rises across the earth—we are standing at exactly that kind of threshold.
Now, let it be said, we need greater wisdom for greater intercession. I have often said that the Church has created cry rooms for infants and nursing mothers. But where are the cry rooms for the birthing intercessors who are carrying the heart of God? That is a real question which needs to be taken seriously. Travail, when it is properly understood, requires:
A pure heart which is prepared for His presence,
A protected, safe place of prayer,
Intercessors who are servants who do not require a platform,
Watchmen and Gatekeepers who walk together.
Isaiah 42:14 records these words from the Lord Himself: “Now like a woman in labor, I will groan. I will both gasp and pant.” These are not merely poetic illustrations—they are invitations. Because when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon a person or a group of people in this way and begins to intercede through them, something is actually being birthed in the spirit. Something is being brought forth which was not previously visible in the natural.
I have seen this. I have lived this. And I can tell you—it bears fruit that lasts.So I want to invite you into something today. As we move into this new season, I believe the eighth barren woman—Zion—is being called to her finest moment. I used to only teach us about Eight Barren Women, but I believe I am to change this narrative. I want to exhort concerning Eight Fruitful Women. Yes, Eight Fruitful Voices who persevered through travail and brought forth prophetic destiny in their generation.
Why not now? And why not with you?
God is still looking for those who will cry out with this kind of desperation which refuses to give up! Where are those who will cooperate with the Spirit in groaning, those who will make room for costly, Spirit-led intercession that changes the course of history?“As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her sons.”
This is not just about history in the past. This is a promise for this generation. And whether you are in your home, in a prayer meeting, or somewhere quietly before the Lord right now—you are part of God’s Holy Zion. Your cry is not small. Your intercession is not wasted. And this moment in history is not accidental.
Will you join me in fruitful praying?
James W. Goll
“Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her sons.”
Isaiah 66:8
“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”
Romans 8:22
A Prayer of Yielding to the Father
Father, in Jesus’ wonderful name, I present my heart to You.
Create in me a greater capacity to carry Your burdens and desires.
Pray through me prayers that go beyond my self-limitations.
Stretch me and use me as You will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
