Where can you find a Powerhouse of Encouragement during Infertility?

ByKimberly McLagan
Six friends bundled up on a mountains edge looking at the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Bible verse overlay, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." Hebrews 10:25 NIV

Did you know that there is a place where you can find relief from the isolation of infertility and get enormous support? By God’s design, a faith community near you provides the encouragement needed to persevere and have hope.

For our purposes, ‘faith community’ means a Christ-centered church, a small group of believers, a Bible study, a prayer group, or another supportive circle of faithful followers on a walk similar to yours. 

If you are already drawing close to God in personal prayer and have an ultimate prayer partner, why is having the encouragement of a faith community so important? 

Let’s chat about it.

God intends for us to have fellowship and find encouragement when we assemble to worship Him.

As we know from the Scriptures of the Bible, those believing in Christ in the early church,

"…devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles… praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." Acts 2:42-47

God does not want us to face adversity alone. He established the church under Jesus Christ to fulfill His mission of love and compassion—uniting us in worship to proclaim His truth and holiness and find fellowship and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24). Jesus’ commandment that we love one another (John 13:34) is accomplished when we carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

Being a member of a church community and other faith groups became a vital component of my infertility toolkit.

My husband and I received encouragement when we separated ourselves from the world each week and gathered with other believers at our church’s service. There, we experienced the unselfish act of collectively worshiping God—the emphasis was not on entertaining us. We focused on thanking God for His authority over our lives.

What equipped us?  

  • Meeting faithful believers who prayed for us and referred special healing services and prayer groups.
  • Gaining teaching from the Bible on how God provides relevant direction on how to tackle issues. 
  • Getting refreshed on God’s boundaries for obedience and discernment.
  • Asking questions, exploring doubts, and getting answers about God’s presence in our infertility journey.

I received cards and notes from sisters in Christ who encouraged me to ‘not give up.’ They shared the stories of others who had persevered in prayer and ultimately had children, boosting my optimism.

Are you receiving encouragement from any of the faith community opportunities listed above?

Attending a church is not popular these days. If your past attendance to a church did not fulfill your expectations, take another look—numerous faith communities are available. There’s a group of believers out there who will encourage you. Plus, you have been blessed with gifts God wants you to share to uplift others! (1 Corinthians 12:7-12)

Pastor and bestselling author Craig Groeschel says it best: “There is something better. To worship God together and be committed to worship Him together, to hear His Word together. Do not reduce Church to listening to a podcast. It’s so much more than that! It’s a community, worshiping with others, praying for others, hurting with others, serving others, being involved in the lives of others.”

You can pray now to the God of the Holy Bible and ask for His Help in finding a faith community.

Lord God, You created (say husband’s name, then yours) to live in love for you and one another. Help us to find communities of faith where we can come before You with other believers in humble gratitude for who You are and how You bless us. Provide us ways to serve You, “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV) in faith as we surrender our future to You. 

We are looking for ministries that reflect the truth of Your Scriptures, are of one heart and mind, and will fill us with greater knowledge of You. Lead us to the fellowship You want us to be a part of where we will find encouragement — a Christ-centered church, a small group of believers, a Bible study, prayer groups, or another supportive circle of faithful followers on a walk similar to ours. Also, please direct us to healing ministries that can intercede for us regarding our infertility. 

We ask all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Moving forward…

Ask yourself this:

How am I responding to God’s instruction to meet together and worship?

"…let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, 
as some are in the habit of doing, 
but encouraging one another…" 
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

Every act of obedience to Him builds a foundation of being obedient in all areas He desires for us. Allow yourself to meditate on this Scripture: 

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 
but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God."
Exodus 20:8-10 NIV

Try This Challenge:

Consider researching Christ-centered churches and other faith communities in your geographic area. Find the best place for worship and encouragement for you and your husband. Pray that you are in one accord about your choice. 

Share this link with a friend who might be encouraged by this post.

Until next time,

Peace be with you,

Kimberly

P.S. You won’t want to miss the following posts that will equip you for your journey: 

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