Fertility Fact Friday

For this Fertility Fact Friday we'll continue to look at how to honor God through the infertility process. These questions are taken from the book, Hannah's Hope by Jennifer Saake. A great resource for individuals and small groups. I highly recommended it.

Am I Honoring God, Part 2

Am I investing more time and effort into the pursuit of parenthood than into my relationship with God?

I am called to trust God to fully provide the resources for whatever path He leads me to follow. Am I being faithful in my financial obligations to God (tithes and offerings) and others (debt)? Am I envious of those who seem to have more resources and abilities to grow their families? (Financial issues of fertility challenges give new meaning to “We can’t afford to have kids.”)

Am I waiting on God’s perfect timing?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—.”

If this path ultimately leads to parenthood, can I explain to my child, without shame or secrecy, exactly how she joined our family?

Is it both acceptable and beneficial in God’s sight?

All different types of procedures and options may be presented to you, but it is important for you to pray and ask God if it is permissible for you. If God has not given you a peace about a particular procedure or plan, then wait. “Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial.” I Corinthians 6:12

Am I trying to force God’s hand?

Sometimes God gives us less than the best He desires for us because we BEG Him to do so, just as He conceded to the demands of Israel, see I Samuel 8:6-22. Other questions you can ask yourself: Am I trying to manipulate my way to a baby? Am I willing ot accept God’s best for my life, or do I want to be in the driver’s seat and demand what I perceive to be best?

Fertility Fact Friday

For the next couple of Fertility Fact Friday’s we will address the question, “Am I honoring God in the infertility process?” These questions are taken from the book, Hannah’s Hope by Jennifer Saake. The book is an excellent resource for personal use or to use in a small group or support group setting. I highly recommend it.

Am I Honoring God?, Pt. 1

Questions to Consider:

Are you and your spouse “thoroughly equipped” to make the choices in line with scriptural principles?

Do you know the Bible well enough to know how options are addressed? If not, it is time to get into the Word and find out. If you have studied, and find that your specific issue is not addressed, what principles can you apply as you ask the Lord to give you wisdom and direction?

Am I treating my body in a God-honoring manner?

If my body belongs to the Lord, I must prayerfully consider the consequences of all that I do to and with this vessel. Educate yourself! Yet, be careful what you allow your soul to consume. There is no sin in receiving medical intervention. The key to seeking medical aid is staying within God-honoring parameters. While medical assistance, in and of itself, is not ungodly, the Lord may call you personally to “be still”, making intentional decisions not to pursue reproductive technology. Always be led by peace.

Are we honoring our marriage vow and God’s desire for a mutually submissive, loving partnership?

This is most important! “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” Hebrews 13:4 If either of us feels a betrayal of our commitment to one another on any level, this is not a direction we should pursue.

Are we using good stewardship?

God already owns all my money, time, abilities and resources. What I have is a gift from Him. Is my pursuit of a child honoring His blessings, or squandering what I have been given?