Infertility can be a devastating trial for any couple desiring children. For Christians, it raises difficult questions about God’s will, His sovereignty, and His goodness. Though infertility is painful, Scripture offers comfort, wisdom, and hope for walking through it. This article will explore what the Bible teaches regarding infertility, providing guidance for those struggling to make sense of it biblically.
Recognizing God’s Sovereignty
A foundational principle is acknowledging God’s sovereignty. He exists outside of time, beholding all things past, present, and future. Scripture testifies that God actively orders the universe according to His perfect will (Ephesians 1:11). Nothing escapes His notice or control, including conception and barrenness (Exodus 23:25-26). Though mysterious, God uses suffering to refine His children’s faith and conform them to Christ’s image (Romans 8:28-29). While infertility seems senseless, God promises it serves a purpose in His eternal plan.
Submitting to God’s sovereignty requires humility and trust. His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He withholds no good thing from His children (Psalm 84:11). If God permits infertility, He has righteous motives rooted in love. Christians must resist demanding explanations from God or doubting His kindness. As difficult as it is, they must entrust their desires to God’s perfect timing and trust that He works all things for their eternal good.
Avoiding Wrong Perspectives
Infertility prompts certain unbiblical reactions that Christians must avoid. These include:
- Viewing children as a right, not a privilege.
- Doubting God’s goodness or sovereignty.
- Pursuing fertility at any cost.
- Placing identity/worth in one’s parental status.
- Isolation and secrecy due to shame.
- Resentment towards fertile couples.
- Neglecting spiritual growth and ministry.
Scripture denounces all these attitudes. Children are a blessing, not an entitlement (Psalm 127:3-5). Believers must guard against allowing infertility to corrupt their view of God or breed discontentment. Faithfully attending to spiritual duties provides clarity and comfort amid the chaos of infertility.
Waiting Upon the Lord
Waiting upon the Lord is a frequent exhortation in Scripture. It encourages submitting to God’s timing rather than demanding immediate fulfillment of desires. Waiting strengthens the character of believers as they endure suffering (Romans 5:3-5). Examples of biblical figures who waited faithfully include Abraham, David, Job, and John the Baptist.
Waiting upon the Lord with infertility requires patience and perseverance. It means continuing to pray boldly while surrendering control of the outcome. The pain may persist for years or a lifetime. Yet God promises to renew the strength of those who wait upon Him (Isaiah 40:31). His timing is perfect. For Christians, waiting is active, not passive. It means continuing to serve God while anticipating His resolution.
Hope in a Sovereign, Good God
Those struggling are not alone. God draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Christians can boldly approach His throne of grace in their time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Despite the mystery of infertility, believers have hope in God’s character. Consider the following truths:
- God listens to the prayers of the righteous (James 5:16).
- God has good purposes, even in suffering (Romans 8:28).
- God performs miracles, including barren wombs opened (Isaac, John the Baptist, etc.).
- God adopts the fatherless as His own (Psalm 68:5-6).
- God promises everlasting joy and reward for those who trust Him (Psalm 16:11).
Clinging to these promises sustains hope. God moves mountains in response to faith (Mark 11:22-24). He may work a miracle of conception or fulfill the desire for children through other means. But regardless of the outcome, His grace is sufficient to enable believers to walk in obedience (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Practical Steps for Those Struggling
Navigating infertility requires wisdom. In addition to maintaining right spiritual perspectives, Christian couples can take certain practical steps to steward their situation in a God-honoring manner.
- Pray continuously – Only God opens wombs. Storm heaven with requests and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Pursue community – Isolation breeds despair. Seek pastoral care and godly mentors (Galatians 6:2).
- Explore medical options – Within biblical limits, use wisdom and technology to understand the body.
- Consider alternatives – Adoption and foster care offer other means of nurturing children.
- Find healthy outlets – Pour energies into enriching ministry and community.
- Cultivate marriage intimacy – Protect unity amid the stress of infertility.
- Extend grace to others – Avoid resentment; share hope.
Stewarding infertility requires deliberate focus upon spiritual health and rootedness in God’s Word. Counseling provides help managing grief and maintaining a biblical perspective. Sound guidance helps couples make wise medical decisions that honor God. Most importantly, those struggling must anchor their hope in Christ’s finished work, not the presence of children.
Infertility in the Divine Narrative
From a gospel-centered perspective, infertility is not meaningless. It enters into the divine narrative about Christ’s redemptive mission. Christians are called to suffer willingly as they identify with Jesus (1 Peter 2:21). God’s plan to glorify Christ encompasses all suffering. The testing of infertility produces endurance, character, and hope in believers (Romans 5:3-5). As Christians bear this cross with persevering faith, their dependence and delight in Christ deepens.
Infertility also creates opportunities to magnify Christ. His grace is sufficient for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9). As couples walk in hope despite their grief, the watching world witnesses the surpassing value of knowing Christ. God is glorified when His people treasure Him above earthly things like parenthood. When Christians endure infertility with courage and contentment, they manifest the sufficiency of Christ.
God also uses those who struggle with infertility to minister to others. Having endured the crucible, they are equipped to empathize with and counsel fellow sufferers. In this way, infertility equips believers for expanded kingdom service if they steward it rightly. The childless woman is free to devote herself fully to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:34).
Cultivating Contentment and Joy
Infertility breeds discontentment as couples naturally desire children. Yet Scripture commands rejoicing always, regardless of circumstances (Philippians 4:4). How can believers cultivate contentment despite infertility? The key is nurturing spiritual joy that arises from knowing Christ.
Psalm 113:9 declares that God “gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyful mother of children.” This is both a literal promise and spiritual metaphor. Those struggling with infertility must look to Christ to satisfy their souls above all else. Filling the heart’s god-shaped void with lesser desires like parenthood is idolatry. Delighting supremely in Christ and His finished work brings unshakable contentment.
The believer’s true identity and worth are found in Christ (Galatians 2:20). Earthly accomplishments and family cannot fulfill the role only Christ can play. Infertility provides opportunity to dismantle misplaced sources of identity and satisfaction. As spiritual joy in Christ increases, earthly trials fade in importance (2 Corinthians 4:17). His companionship satisfies the childless soul (Isaiah 54:5).
Cultivating Gratitude and Wonder
In the midst of infertility and grief, gratitude may seem counterintuitive or impossible However, Scripture commands giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thanking God requires remembering His proven faithfulness and looking for His handiwork, even in distressing situations. It is closely linked with the joy of the Lord which strengthens believers (Nehemiah 8:10b).
Infertility affords many reasons to give thanks. Chief among them is Christ’s mercy in suffering alongside His people. God promises to sustain the weary and comfort the brokenhearted. The trials of this life are producing an eternal glory. Beyond gratitude, infertility prompts wonder and awe at God’s sovereignty. Believers can marvel that the Creator of the universe cares so deeply for them in their anguish. God’s character elicits praise in all seasons.
Additionally, those struggling are called to rejoice with others in their blessings. This includes the children of other couples. There will be frequent reminders of what could have been. Yet rejoicing with the joyful reflects God’s own delight in blessing His children. It rises above envy and pain to share in His gladness.
Conclusion
Infertility ushers couples into a crucible of faith. Yet Scripture offers guidance and reassurance for navigating it. God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. Believers must guard their perspectives, taking hope in God’s goodness and casting their cares upon Christ. Wise decisions honor God as couples wait patiently upon Him. They can pursue contentment and gratitude despite sorrow. God promises to redeem suffering for His glory and their sanctification. His grace enables all believers to walk in obedience and joy, regardless of their circumstances. Ultimately, Christ satisfies the souls of those who hope in Him.