Judges 13:2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. 3 And the angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Although you are barren, having borne no children, you shall conceive and bear a son.

This is the story of Samson who would be a renown leader of Israel. You remember Samson – the guy with long hair and great strength who lost his strength when his hair was cut. Anyway, what interests me this morning is the fact that he was born to a woman who was “barren”, who could not conceive a child until God intervened.

Fertility is a major theme throughout the Old Testament as God comes to the aid of couples who cannot conceive naturally.

Lately I’ve have several conversations with people struggling with fertility issues. For a couple with great love for each other, who want to share that love with a child, the inability to conceive can be soul-crushing. And it’s not helpful when other people, wanting to relieve the tension of the situation, suggest adoption as an alternative. It’s not that there’s something wrong with adoption, but adoption may not fulfill the dream of raising a child with one’s own DNA in the same way. So this morning I’m praying for all people with the unfulfilled dream of conceiving a child.

Heavenly Father you alone hold the power to bring life into the world. We may have treatments and such to increase the odds of conception, but in the end it’s up to you. Pour out your grace on those who struggle with fertility, that they may not lose hope. Reveal to them a pathway to parenthood, wherever that path may lead. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.