In the Old Testament times, we see a common thread that God blesses and curses Israel depending on whether or not they follow Him. In New Testament times, it is Christ who became a curse for us that we might be reconciled with God (Gal. 3:13).
Barrenness was often considered a curse. Hannah, for example, felt accursed because she could not have children. Eventually, she had Samuel, who was set aside for the Lord’s purposes. In the New Testament, as recounted in the book of Luke, Elizabeth felt under God’s curse because she couldn’t conceive; then she gave birth to John the Baptist, who was used mightily to pave the way for Christ’s ministry.
Abraham and Sarah could not conceive until very late in life, and they were to usher in the people of Israel! Rachel, could not conceive either until she gave birth to Jacob. Sadly, both Abraham and Isaac took matters into their own hands and took other wives to bear them children. But this was far from God’s best for them.
Let us not decide to take matters into our own hands. Let’s lean into and trust Jesus Christ with every detail of our lives! The greatest blessings are spiritual ones. Even though God can give us children, He does not always choose to do so. Thankfully, in Christ we have immeasurable comfort and spiritual resources at our disposal, both for this life and the life to come.
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