Maintaining a christian perspective of infertility from the get go is so important in our walk with God! To conclude the four part series on a Christian experience of infertility.
Learning the ropes of infertility is hard at first. And sharing your story whilst still in the waiting and unknown is even harder! This blog post focuses on a few key takeaways both practically and spiritually for you journey experiencing infertility.
Previous Blog Post on Christian Experience of Infertility:
What is classed as “infertility”?
In most medical viewpoints a couple is said to be experiencing ‘infertility’ when they have been actively trying to conceive for at least 12 months. Many specialist, and specific tests will only be prescribed or accessible if you meet the above criteria.
Actively trying to conceive means not only are you not preventing conception. You are making active attempts to conceive by tracking cycles, planning intercourse and are generally aware of your reproductive cycles. Doctors will not get you to share the ins and outs of your ‘active’ trying to conceive. They simply want to know that it is not a matter of ‘poor’ timing.
On that note, understanding the reproductive systems and how they should function is sooo eye opening. Not only can we learn about the best time to try to conceive but our cycles can tell us so much about our general health and wellbeing as women. God designed our bodies so intricately.
A few practical points to consider:
1. Research Both Biblical and medical implications for the recommended infertility treatment.
Do you research, one of the biggest misunderstanding when it comes to infertility challenges is the impact contraceptive methods have on our reproductive organs. There are so many natural ways to manage fertility. Be careful not to jump into a medication, treatment or recommendations without properly understanding the impact of it first. This includes the Pill for acne, period cramps and the like. Yes it can mask the symptoms but it shouldn’t be considered a long term solution as the pill can have immense impact on your body function!
2. Build the right medical team for your infertility journey.
Build a team of support: when beginning this journey it can feel like you are being tossed around the medical system. GP’s, tests, naturopaths, obstetricians, gynecologists and other specialists. There are many experienced clinicians out there. However, I will note that not all understand you, and your needs, especially as a Christian. Don’t be afraid to seek out alternative help if you feel you are not heard or the doctor continues to suggest things you feel very uncomfortable with!
3. Don’t be afraid to depend on a friend!
Reach out to a close friend or couple for support! You may find a objective perspective through it all and also a Christian impact amongst a predominantly secular industry.
4. Stop just planning and start trusting
Try to refrain from the planner mentality. – if we fall pregnant now our baby will be born then. If we do this then then that will happen. I won’t say yes to that event because I might be pregnant then and I won’t be able to go anyways. This is an inevitable part of the infertility journey, but dwelling on the future hopes without actually being present in today is a trap of discontent.
5. Avoid feelings of bitterness and pray for help to take them away.
It’s easy to become bitter towards others who may have something you do not. Yet we are reminded many times in Scripture to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep”, no matter how hard it might be. Of course, it can really get you down- the numerous pregnancy announcements, cycle after cycle of zero change etc. etc. But becoming bitter can only breaks down relationships.
6. Your only human but, God is….strong, comforting, steadfast, holy, perfect, omnipotent….
Humanly speaking, it would be near impossible to stay positive ALL of the time, and there are times when you feel at peace, and times when it feels like the “not knowing” is tough. But making a conscious effort to stay positive is so important. Practical ways to do this- start every single day and end every day with prayer that specifically includes asking God to help you stay focused and not be consumed by these things that will negatively impact your task in serving and glorifying God in your day; pick up a new hobby to keep your mind busy; and stay connected to friends and family. As a Christian struggling with infertility, the measure of peace we get knowing we have a Father in control is just insurmountable. Where would we all be without that?
7. Don’t compare your situation to someone else’s!
Don’t try to compare anyone’s fertility struggles and journey with someone else’s. Everyone’s journey is unique.
Encouraging scripture passages For INFERTILITY
By these passages we hope you can use them to share with someone you know is experiencing infertility, send a card, have a coffee or pray for them using these words of scripture!
2 Corinthians 4:18
“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Romans 5:3-5
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love (D)has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Philippians 4:6-7
6 do not be anxious about anything, (B)but in everything by prayer and supplication (C)with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And (D)the peace of God, (E)which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? (A)Be strong and courageous. (B)Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 55:22
(A)Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
(B)he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.
Jeremiah 29:11
11 (A)For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, (B)to give you a future and a hope.
1 Peter 5: 6-7
6 (A)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 (B)casting all your anxieties on him, because (C)he cares for you.
James 1: 2-7
2 (A)Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials (B)of various kinds, 3 for you know that (C)the testing of your faith (D)produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be (E)perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 (F)If any of you lacks wisdom, (G)let him ask God, (H)who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But (I)let him ask in faith, (J)with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like (K)a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
Psalm 27:14
(A)Wait for the Lord;
(B)be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Romans 4: 17-18
17 as it is written, (A)“I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, (B)who gives life to the dead and calls into existence (C)the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, (D)“So shall your offspring be.” (Abraham waiting for a child promised from the Lord.
In Conclusion
Thank you for coming along on this journey through a Christian experience of infertility. If you know someone going through this, share this blog post series with them!
Leave us a comment with a scripture passage or helpful piece of advice with regards to Christian suffering!
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