Expert: Dr. Tim Gladu - 3/23/2007

Question
My wife and I have been unable to get pregnant for almost 3 years, following a miscarriage. I want to establish first that our doctors/fertility specialists have been unable to identify any physical problems that would prevent us from having children. Our desire to have a child has grown throughout this struggle. We have also grown closer to each other and to the Father throughout.

We've constantly prayed for a child and have had an unbelievable amount of prayer support from other believers, family and friends.

My fundamental question:
Do we play a part in receiving this gift from God? Can our unbelief/sin play a part in not receiving this gift? Isn't it God's will for us to pro-create? Doesn't he give us the desires of our heart?

We are currently waking the walk waiting on God's perfect timing...which is completely fine if that is what our biblical response should be. Does the bible tell us that we play a part in the timing of receiving the gift of a child above and beyond natural law?
Should we continue to pray for a child or does it show a lack of faith to continue to take this request to God. He knows are hearts and thoughts...we've layed them at his feet. Should we be praying in another manner?

Thanks for your insight.

Answer
Randy,

I commend you on the courage that you have shown to this point. There are outside factors that influence Gods decision to bless us with a child. Gods will is the biggest factor in the outside forces. If it is Gods will that you have a child then He will bring it to pass. Remember that God withheld children for the great men of the Bible and they remained faithful. Read the last books of Genesis and see how much God withheld children. God only did it for them to remember to rely on God and also to make sure they were truly ready for the child. God will also make sure that the conditions are perfect for the child He will give you and your wife. I remember when my wife and I were trying for our third child we were trying so hard that we thought it would never happen. When we totally gave it to God and quite trying so hard that is when it happened. I feel that you are doing everything that you can be doing and if you are supposed to have children then God will give them to you. I would also suggest that you look at your church and the ministries that are going on there. There may be a ministry that God is calling you to do and you are thinking no I can't do that, or that is beyond my capabilities. I would finally suggest speaking to the various ministry leaders an see if there is an area of ministry that you can do that you may not have thought of before. Keep praying for your hearts desire and that God's will be done and it will.

God bless