Struggling to Conceive?
You may be wondering whether or not you will ever receive your blessing, but take heart, the journey can be just as rewarding, productive, and enlightening…..
As a mother of three, I know the deep joy that comes with raising children - from their first steps to their bedtime stories. Motherhood has not only been a blessing, but also a journey of growth, teaching me patience, empathy, and strength I didn’t know I had.
Due to my own experiences with miscarriage, my heart aches for those who long to become parents but face the inability to conceive. Over the years, I've spoken with many couples who’ve silently carried this burden, watching other couples welcome children while wondering when - or if - their own turn will come.
If that’s you, please know you're not alone.
Many couples have experienced a difficult road to parenthood, though few speak about it. Shame and fear of judgment often keep them from hiding their struggles, and that’s exactly what the enemy wants.
But God calls us to bring our pain to Him, not to hide it.
Through prayer, God has reminded me of His heart for those in the season of waiting. That’s right. It’s a Season, it’s not forever. But during this season, our heavenly Father promises peace, joy, and strength for each day:
“Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
I’m reminded of Abraham and Sarah, who doubted they could have a child in old age. Yet, God fulfilled His promise. “Is anything too hard for God?” (Genesis 18:14). At the appointed time, they welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Isaac, just as God said they would (Genesis 21).
Whether or not your journey leads to parenthood, I pray you find peace, hope, and purpose. God has a plan for your life. Remember, no life comes into this world without His will (1 Corinthians 8:6, Job 33:4, Colossians 1:16–17). You may feel ready for a child right now, but God may be taking this time to prepare your heart, your life, or your circumstances for what’s ahead (Ecclesiastes 3).
Through my own experience with pain and loss, I humbly offer you encouragement and guidance - both spiritual and practical - as you wait on God’s perfect timing.
Here are a few ways to prepare for the journey ahead…
Prepare Your Soul
The first step in this journey is to seek God’s will for your life. Bring your desire for parenthood to Him in prayer. Though He already knows your heart, He invites you to share your thoughts, fears, and hopes (1 Peter 5:7). Ask if it is His will for you to become a parent, and pray for strength and patience as you wait.
Medical challenges may play a role, but also consider whether your struggle could be spiritual. Before investing in costly treatments, ask God if there are spiritual blocks, like unforgiveness, bitterness, or sin, that need to be addressed (Psalm 66:18). If so, repent and ask for His healing and grace.
Make daily time for prayer and Scripture meditation to grow spiritually for the journey ahead. Even just 10–30 minutes a day can strengthen your faith. Focus on verses about hope, faith, patience, and God’s promises (Isaiah 40:31; 41:10; Psalm 55:22; Romans 15:13). And be open—God may answer through His Word, or even through a trusted voice in your life.
2. Prepare Your Mind
As you seek God’s guidance, consider speaking with a trusted counselor to support your mental health. They can help you manage anxiety, depression, and stress. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider to address any concerns along the way.
Use this time to educate yourself on parenting. Ask God to lead you to the right resources. Learn about children’s products, schools, and local programs. Check out events at your rec center, library, or hospital—many offer parenting classes for new or hopeful parents.
You can also volunteer with youth-focused organizations. Opportunities like tutoring, coaching, or leading activities can help you connect with children and make a difference—even as you wait.
3. Prepare Your Body
Caring for a child can be physically demanding for both mom and dad. It’s important to prepare your body for the journey. Visit your doctor for a complete checkup. Ask about what foods, vitamins, and supplements you should consider. Ensure that you are taking in lots of water and healthy foods, like fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Regular stretching and exercise are especially important for physical stamina and overall well-being. If you are not already on an exercise regime, a daily brisk 30-minute walk is a great place to start.
4. Prepare Your Environment
If it is God’s will for you to have a child soon, allocate some time each week to clean, organize, and reimagine your home, vehicle, and other areas in your life that your child may inhabit. Ensure that all areas of your living spaces are safe and orderly. Donate things that you don’t use or need. If a child is in your future, pray over the spaces that you have set aside for your child; pray for your child’s continued joy, safety, and physical, spiritual, and emotional growth in the spaces you have lovingly provided.
Ensure that your environment is also a nurturing one, free of contention and strife.
5. Prepare Your Finances
Caring for a child can be financially challenging; the prices on everything from diapers to food to clothing has been steadily increasing yearly. If parenthood is in your future according to God’s will, ask for His help in being a good steward of your finances. You should develop a strong saving and spending strategy that enables you to use the financial resources God provides in a wise manner.
Discuss your plans to have a child with your bank or your financial advisor. They can help you put a plan in place to save money for necessities, as well as future expenses like healthcare or your child’s education. You may even consider opening a savings account specifically for your child. Also, consider whether you would like to have childcare and start putting aside money to offset some of the cost. You may also reach out to trusted friends and family members who would be happy to assist you in babysitting part-time or full-time.
6. Consider Adoption
As you continue to seek our Father’s will for your life, also consider whether or not He would like you to seek adoption instead. There are many amazing children all over the country waiting for someone to love and cherish them. Your passion and loving desire to have a child may make you the perfect parent for a special child longing for wholeness and belonging within a family. If this is the direction God wants you to go, He will definitely point you to the right people and places to help you on the road to adoption. And He will provide the necessary financial resources. Adoption is one of the most wonderful ways to make a difference in our world.
7. Enjoy Your Alone Time.
If it’s God’s will for you to have a child, there will be a day when you’ll bring home your bundle of joy — and then the real work begins. You may have less time for vacations, date nights, or evenings out with friends. Sleep will be a luxury for a while. You and your spouse should cherish the time you have together by engaging in activities that may be a little more challenging to do with a little one in tow.
Enjoy some time just being a couple. Take a cooking or pottery class together. Travel to a bucket list destination. Hang out with friends at the movies. Enjoy a pick-up game of basketball or pickleball.
Even individually, spend time enjoying your own company. Learn a new skill, or a new language, relax on the beach, or read your favorite book at your local cafe. Explore and discover all you can during your time alone.
Let go. Let God.
No doubt, you’re probably feeling impatient and some anxiety about the future. Whether you become a parent or not, don’t lose sight of the fact that your life still has meaning and you are immensely important to everyone around you. This world needs your unique talents, resources, wisdom. Don’t spend too much time worrying about becoming a parent, there is still so much life to live and so much for you to accomplish as you wait for God’s direction.
Leave all your cares and worries with our heavenly Father. He is always by your side. Keep your faith and trust in Him, He knows your heart.
Everything wonderful in this life takes time and presents itself exactly when they are supposed to.
And it will always be worth the wait.
My hopes and prayers are always with you :)
A prayer for couples in the season of waiting….
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts that feel both heavy and longing. In this season of grief and waiting, we hold onto Your promise that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You save those crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Lord, we need Your comfort and nearness now more than ever.
Your Word says that You see every tear we cry, and You collect each one in Your bottle - none are forgotten by You. Remind us that our pain is never hidden from Your eyes, and our story is safe in Your hands. (Psalm 56:8)
Father, even when our arms feel empty, help us to remember Your love is constant and unfailing. Your plans for us are good, filled with hope and a future. Teach us to trust that even in the silence, You are at work, weaving beauty from ashes. (Jeremiah 29:11)
When feelings of guilt or inadequacy weigh us down, speak Your truth over us - that nothing, not even loss, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Remind us that our worth is not measured by what we can give or accomplish, but by who we are in You, beloved and chosen. (Romans 8:38-39)
Lord, as we wait, give us strength and help us to hold on to the promise that those who hope in You will renew their strength, will soar on wings like eagles, will run and not grow weary, will walk and not faint. Help us rise each morning with courage and faith, holding onto hope even when the way forward feels uncertain. (Isaiah 40:31)
Guide us, Father, to trust in You with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. In all our ways, help us to acknowledge You, believing You will make our path straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Most of all, remind us that we are not alone. Just as Deuteronomy 31:8 assures us, You go before us and will never leave us or forsake us. Even in this dark valley, You are walking beside us, carrying us when we cannot walk on our own.
Lord, breathe hope back into our souls. Wrap us in Your peace that surpasses understanding. Teach us to rest in Your love and to find joy again, trusting that You are the God who redeems, restores, and brings life in wonderful, unexpected ways.
We place our brokenness in Your hands, confident that You will make all things new in Your perfect timing.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
A Lovingly-Crafted Resource for Couples in the Season of Waiting…
If you’re walking through a challenging season of waiting, this book was written just for you. It’s a gentle companion offering Biblical wisdom and encouragement, practical tips and guidance, and opportunities for introspection as you wait for God’s blessing. Within these pages, you’ll find reminders that you are not alone, and that even in the waiting, God is at work in beautiful and unexpected ways.
Are you in a season of waiting?
Does anything here resonate with you?
How can I pray for you today?
Do you have any additional advice you would like to share with our brothers and sisters facing this season of waiting?