If you have experienced infertility or child loss or know someone who has, you know what a searing, painful experience it is. Nicole and Sharon share from their personal experience and from the Word of God, what it's like to want a child desperately. Join us for a study of Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, who endured years of waiting and scorn, and who did it with grace and faithfulness. Let's talk and encourage one another today.
[su_spoiler title="Read transcript for Longing for a Child - Elizabeth's Story" icon="arrow-circle-1"] Speaker 1 (00:04): Welcome to the Christmas edition of the Sweet Selah moments podcast. We are so glad that right in the middle of decking those halls, you have decided to stop for a while with us. We hope you will feel refreshed and blessed as you listen today. The Sweet Selah moments podcast is brought to you by Word Radio and Sweet Selah Ministries. Nicole (00:30): Welcome to the Sweet Selah moments Christmas podcast season. This is episode 26, Longing for a Child, Elizabeth's Story. Chances are you either know someone who longs for a child or you are that someone. Deep in many a woman's heart is a desire to someday become a mother. There's a unique ache in the heart of a woman who has long waited to hold a child of her own. Today we're going to look at the story of Elizabeth. Like so many women throughout the centuries, Elizabeth longed for a child that did not come. Until he did in her old age. It's quite the story. Sharon (01:02): Nicole, it's an amazing story. And I'm excited to study it today. You know, the Bible is actually peppered with stories about women who had a hard time becoming mothers. Sarah, for example, knew that God had promised her husband, Abraham, that a great nation would come from their offspring and yet she waited decades until way past when conception was even possible. When Isaac was born Rachel, Jacob's wife, was barren and watched as her sister, also Jacob's wife, had four sons in a row. Hannah, mother to Samuel the prophet was also one of two wives and her rival the other wife had children and Hannah had none until she cried out to the Lord and begged once again, promising to dedicate that baby to the Lord. So story after story of heartache. I am at least glad that the two wife rivalry thing is less likely today, Nicole. Nicole (01:57): Yes. Sharon (01:57): That does not sound fun at all. However, the pain of infertility is still very present. I know many a suffering woman who grieves every month when, once again she discovers that she is not expecting a baby. For four years of my marriage I was that woman. I can remember attending a baby shower once thinking I could handle it and having to leave before I absolutely ruined it by sobbing. I remember dreaming of holding a baby and waking up weeping when I realized it was just a dream. It was miserable. It was hard. And I think the worst of it is you don't know how long it will last or if it will ever end. Nicole (02:38): Oh, I know it's such a deep and terrible pain. Either of the wanting of a baby or the loss of one. It's a strange grief I've found that comes in waves. You don't just dream of or lose an infant. You feel like you've lost a whole lifetime with a growing person too, you know. I find myself saying goodbye to my child at many different stages. Goodbye to a baby and now goodbye to a preschooler and someday goodbye to a high schooler and so on. I think that's why it's a pain that seems to come up over and over again. We envision their whole life with us when we see or feel them for the first time. It can be really tough. Yes. I also know many friends who have tried to adopt or foster and have had their sweet kiddos taken back after sometimes...
