Infertility doesn’t strike most of us as a great calling. In fact, just the opposite. It is a tremendous burden, an enormous obstacle, a prolonged season of undeserved suffering. Everything bad and nothing good. But what if that’s not how God sees it? Does that matter? If we could understand God’s purpose, would it change our perspective on infertility?
My husband and I rented “The Ten Commandments” DVD not long ago and watched Charlton Heston’s Moses journey from birth to the moment at the burning bush. In that moment, when God calls him to confront Pharaoh and free his people, Moses’ first thought is: I can’t. But, God doesn’t take “no” for an answer. As He makes clear, this isn’t about what Moses can do; it’s about what God can do. If Moses is willing, God is able.
He has a purpose for making it (appear) impossible for Moses to succeed, which He explains:
“…‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart…so I can perform these miraculous signs of mine… so that you may tell your children and grandchildren… and that you may know that I am the Lord” [Exodus 10:1-2].
God isn’t interested in humiliating Moses or putting him in danger, despite how it may seem. This story isn’t just about Moses. God is setting the stage “for these miraculous signs of mine” which require the appearance of impossibility. Why? “So that you may tell your children and grandchildren… and that you may know that I am the Lord.” All Moses needs to do is trust God, and obey.
Like Moses, we miss sensing God’s purpose when we’re confronted with what appears impossible. We’re too busy concentrating on our limitations and our fears. Infertility focuses our attention on what we can’t do. That’s all we can see, and all we can think about! We forget that this isn’t about us; it’s about what God can do in and through us.
When Moses says, I can’t, God repeatedly assures him, I will: “I will send you,” “I will be with you,” “I will help you,” “I will show you,” “I will teach you.” Why? “So that you may tell your children and grandchildren… and that you may know that I am the Lord.” That’s the reason. That’s God’s purpose. This is about the story that will be told to generations.
Now, God wants to step into your story. He wants to assure you, “I will be with you,” “I will help you,” “I will show you,” “I will teach you.” Why? “So that you may tell your children and grandchildren… and that you may know that I am the Lord.”
The same I who knew the outcome of Moses’ story knows the outcome of yours. Trust Him, and one day, you will be telling your children an incredible story of God’s amazing faithfulness.
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Pregnant with Hope 
Thanks for such an eye opening post. My faith has wavered tremendously because of my IF journey and my losses. I’m at a point in my life where I just don’t know anymore. I don’t know what to do, I don’t even know if I want children anymore. I couldn’t see my purpose, but after reading this post I do see that there is a purpose to my journey.
Quoting you, “…If we could understand God’s purpose, would it change our perspective on infertility?”
I’ve always answered that question with a quote from MercyMe’s song ‘Homesick’…
“Help me Lord cause I don’t understand your ways.
The reason why? I wonder if I’ll ever know.
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same…”
Even if God Himself sat right here beside me and explained why He’s allowed me to be barren, I may would understand, but the hurt would still be there, every 28-30 days when I am reminded yet again that I am not pregnant.
The only way I deal with it now is that I just don’t dwell on it anymore. After almost 20 years of IF with no pregnancy (I have a 3 yo son via adoption), we are no longer actively ttc. I would be a liar if I said that I still don’t get sad sometimes, especially when AF is late and there are slight *symptoms*.
I know that one day I will be able to help women just like me. When I first started my ‘battle’, I had absolutely no support system. No one in my family has IF issues. I felt so alone and completely crazy. I hope for no woman, no matter her age, to have to feel isolated during her IF journey.