Here are some reasons why we can have hope that even the hard things in life can serve a good purpose:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”
Have you figured out what purpose infertility serves in your life? Honestly, I don’t think I’ve fully figured it out yet. I think this blog plays some role, but I’m still not sure.
P.S. Are you looking for more encouragement during infertility? Be sure to check out my free infertility prayer calendar and my book, 31 Days of Prayer During Infertility.
Final image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com
I think being infertile prepared me to be an awesome stepmom. I know it’s not for everyone, but my husband’s two sons (we have custody) are such a joy to my life. I was able to be “the fun and crazy aunt” for my nieces and nephews before that. Even though I never gave birth to a child (I’m 50 now, so not expecting it to happen in the future, either!), I’ve been blessed to have known the powerful love of children.
Thanks for commenting, Kelly. I’m so glad you have found such joy in your stepchildren. I myself have a wonderful stepmom and stepdad, so I know how important step-parents can be. Many blessings on your family!
It led us to become foster parents. This is something I would have liked to do “eventually”, though doubt it ever would have happened if we weren’t thrown that direction. I doubt my husband would have agreed to it if we were able to have kids biologically.
I had never thought of it serving a purpose in my/our life, not in those exact terms. What a different view for something I often feel has instead shut doors for me/us.
I have thought about the fact that we probably wouldn’t have ever become foster parents and adopted the kids we currently have, nor had influence in the other kids’ lives, if we hadn’t been having trouble conceiving. (We are open to more, just haven’t received a call.)
I am amazed at the number of people I’ve met who haven’t been able to have kids. We haven’t told anyone that we are dealing with infertility. Most people just assume so, especially after the adoptions. For a long time I thought we were one of a minority, turns out I was wrong. I still haven’t been able to come out and talk about it with friends and family – maybe one day, but right now I just don’t want to deal with having that label put on me by other people.
That’s so wonderful that you’re foster parents. My husband and I want to foster or adopt, too. We’ve said we wanted to do that even before we have fertility problems, but like you, I believe our infertility has really solidified our desire to do so. I do encourage you to tell your story and talk about it with someone- even if it’s just one friend at first. Believe me- I know it’s tough (a lot of my offline friends don’t know about my infertility or this blog), but I’ve had mostly positive conversations with the people I have told. Blessings to you, friend.
Lisa, I just wanted to thank you for your blog and send you a virtual hug this week. I just discovered your blog after a message you sent to the school librarian’s listserv. I’m right now living life post IF, and your blog is helping me sort out the emotion of that, so thank you. I wish you all the best and for the success you so deserve. Sorry if it’s awkward to leave this here, I just couldn’t make the link work to email you (I’m a pretty crummy librarian, as it turns out).
All the best.
Hi Kris, I’m so glad the blog has been an encouragement to you. Your comment here is not awkward at all! Check your email- I’m sending you a message there, too, just in case you don’t see my comment reply.
My husband and I also became foster parents because of infertility. So far no adoptions, but we are really new at it! I love “my” babies and as strange as it sounds, even though they are most likely only temporarily mine, I am grateful for my 7 years of infertility since it led to these little ones in my life. At some point I might end up adopting, and I am hoping that someday I can have a bio baby (not because I think that its important to be related by blood, but because I would like to be able to experience pregnancy, and make all the important decisions – breastfeeding, vaccines, circumcision, etc), but for now I am at peace with where I am 🙂
So glad you’ve found peace with where you’re at, Rachel.
I’ve not had to deal with infertility, but the Lord has used unemployment, losing our home and other “storms of life” to strengthen my faith. Your words inspire me.
Thanks, Barbie. I’m so glad you’re encouraged by the posts. It seems that the Lord uses whatever circumstances we face to make us stronger in Him. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up with Womanhood with Purpose´s Heart-Filled Fridays 🙂 your post has been featured!
Wow, thanks for the feature!