Supplication Sunday: Infertility in the Bible

Many women are all too familiar with the feeling of disappointment after looking down at a pregnancy test and seeing a negative result. When trying to conceive, there's not much more disheartening than finally reading the result window and seeing the lack of a second line (or, even worse, "Not Pregnant"). I truly believe motherhood is a calling for many women (Proverbs 19:21, Titus 2:4, 1 Corinthians 7:20). Although motherhood is a Biblical calling, many women struggle with infertility. For some women, motherhood may mean adoption, for others it may include fertility treatments or surrogacy, and for some, the journey includes heartache. All of these paths are worthy (Matthew 18:5, Ecclesiastes 7:3).

The Bible covers practically every issue in our lives and infertility is no exception. In Genesis 11:30 we learn that Sarai (Sarah Genesis 17:15) was barren. The Lord is faithful though, and in Genesis 21 she gives birth to Isaac, with whom He establishes his covenant (Genesis 17:19).

Isaac's wife, Rebekah, was also barren; but the Lord blesses them with twins: Esau, and Jacob, who became Israel (Genesis 25:21, 26, 32:28).

Rachel, Jacob's wife whom he loved, was barren as well (Genesis 29:30-31). God doesn't forget Rachel either, and she gives birth to Joseph who ruled over Egypt with Pharaoh (Genesis 30:22-24, 41:39-41).

Another barren woman was Samson, the Nazarite's, mother (Judges 13-16).

In 1 Samuel 1 we learn about Hannah, a woman whose heart was grieved. She wept and prayed before the Lord for a child, and he blessed her with the prophet Samuel. She was blessed with 3 sons and 2 daughters because she gave Samuel to the Lord for all his life (1 Samuel 2:20-21).

Elisabeth, the wife of Zacharias the priest, was also a barren woman. She was blessed with a son as well, and he became John the Baptist (Luke 1, 3:2-17).

How amazing is it that each of these women who struggled with infertility would give birth to some of the most prominent figures in the Bible?

"He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord."

Psalms 113:9 KJV

I pray that any woman longing to experience motherhood will soon have that want satisfied, and that she would keep her heart and mind open to the plans the Lord is working in her life.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen"

Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV

Read the full study here.