Tag: overcoming infertility

overcoming infertility

My Story of Victory Over Infertility – Part 1

Posted on by Evangeline

Since I started coaching women about how to enhance their fertility, many of them have shared with me that hearing the stories of women who have overcome infertility markedly increases their hope. Today, I’d like to share my story.

My Story of Victory over Infertility

I struggled with “unknown factors” of infertility. I was in my late 20’s when we started “trying” so my age really wasn’t a factor. There was never a firm diagnosis that specifically confirmed why I was not getting pregnant. I did however have a gynecologist tell me that I may never get pregnant. That was devastating news.

As a woman, I felt inadequate. I couldn’t do the ONE thing that women can do that men can’t—get pregnant. At times, I felt as if people pitied me, even though they did not. Sometimes I felt like an outcast, even though my friends welcomed me in their activities. But that was the painful part.

Having reached the age where all my close friends had children meant being around their kids whenever I attended any of their activities. I loved their children and had fun with them. But I felt out of place not having a child of my own playing along with all the others. I remember trying to convince myself that it was OK…but it wasn’t! It hurt!

I went through a battery of tests to determine why I was not getting pregnant. None of the tests produced conclusive results. I did have fibroids and as a result, had very heavy periods. There were also D&C surgeries and infections to live through. Going through the journey of infertility and all that comes along with it was not what I had signed up for in my “perfect” life.

I Couldn’t Give Up or Give In

But I decided that it was not going to give authority to infertility and allow it to be a source of depression nor a reason to become a hermit. I would choose to enjoy life as it came and to do whatever it took to make the best of each day.

Doctor’s reports were a source of frustration but God’s report in the Bible was my source of hope. Choosing to stand on God’s Word was an easy choice; actually doing it was not. It was a battle against my will, which wanted to do the easy thing and give up.

Making a stand for anything requires that you fight back against numerous attacks, not just one. I had to do just that- –fight against numerous thoughts that were fearful, doubtful, and shame-filled everyday. Yes, I was ashamed that I could not get pregnant. No one else made me feel that way. It was self-inflicted.

#ttc - I was ashamed that I could not get pregnant. No one else made me feel that way. It was self-inflicted. Share on X

Isn’t it amazing what our own mind can do to inflict emotional pain on ourselves? The Word of God was my way out of that inner turmoil. I decided to keep “trying” no matter how long it took and watch God work it out.

Thankfully, God gave me wisdom through various friends and family members. They each encouraged me to keep my hope high and to not give in to the fear of never having children.

For the rest of the story, read Part 2 of my story of victory over infertility. 🙂

Take Time to Insert Positivity into Your Day

Posted on by Evangeline

Infertility stressed me out when I dealt with it. Some days there seemed to be no positivity in my thoughts or my words. Are you experiencing the same thing? The absolute best thing I can offer you during the stressful season of infertility is God’s Word. It really is the ultimate source of peace, comfort, guidance, and positivity that you’re looking for. You’re not alone! God hears you. His heart aches when you feel like you don’t hear Him. He’s right there in His Word. All the answers you’re looking for are there.

Are you willing to commit to look for them and then use them?

positivityTake time to insert some positivity into you day–every day. Start by printing this blog post and reading the scriptures below out loud many times each day. Add to them as you look for and find other Scripture verses that apply to your situation.

Positivity from Scripture

“Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn.” – Deuteronomy 7:8

“I am in them and You are in me… You love them as much as You love me.” – John 17:23

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” – Matthew 19:26

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” – Isaiah 26:3

“LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.” – Psalm 119:116

“That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.” – Romans 4:17

“Praise the LORD who has given rest to His people… just as He promised. Not one word has failed of all His wonderful promises.” – 1 Kings 8:56

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again–my Savior and my God!” – Psalm 42:11

“He will love you and bless you, and He will give you many children.” – Deuteronomy 7:13

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” – James 1:5

“It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.“ – Hebrews 11:11

Stay in God’s Word and I know that you’ll begin to experience the lifting and the peace that you’re craving for.

When will you insert positivity into your day? Set an appointment with yourself to do it and then follow through.

Exciting News! The Borrowed Hope Book Bundle is Available!

Posted on by Evangeline

Borrowed Hope bookToday…RIGHT NOW… it’s finally time to pre-order my new book, Borrowed Hope: Sarah’s Story of Triumph Over Infertility. 

Order it now so you can get some great bonuses bundled with the book. My co-author, Angela Williams, and I will personally sign your book and send it along with great bonuses to anyone who orders the book before it comes out at national book sellers.

What’s It About?

 

Borrowed Hope: Sarah’s Story, is the first book in the Borrowed Hope series. It is a unique presentation of the life of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who struggled for more than 70 years with infertility.

*Witness Sarah’s honest conversations with God as she longs to understand and experience His faithfulness.

*Peek into her world and hear her frustrations as she deals with seemingly impossible circumstances.

*Walk with her through fear, doubt, anger, hope, faith, and finally, to victory.

Sarah’s infertility experience is living proof that God is true to His word and that He is the final authority in all circumstances.

Sarah experienced victory over infertility.
Borrow hope from her victory so that you are empowered to hope again!

The book bundle is available for a limited time and only when you pre-order the book.

Here’s what you’ll receive when you order the
Borrowed Hope Book Bundle:

  • Your autographed copy of the book, signed by both authors.
  • A set of Borrowed Hope Scripture cards that gives you the “antidote” to negative thinking and helps you focus on God’s Promises.
  • A Borrowed Hope book mark that reminds you to not give up.
  • Membership within our new private Facebook Group so that you can build community with victory-minded women.
  • A FREE ebook– Infertility Sucks: How to Maintain Hope in Your Marriage (PDF format)
  • Regular encouragement in your inbox from Evangeline and Angela
  • FREE Shipping on your book, cards, and book marker!

⇒⇒ Order the Borrowed Hope Book Bundle NOW! ⇐⇐

INFERTILITY

What’s Your Favorite Bible Verse that Speaks to Your Fertility?

Posted on by Evangeline

Do you believe the Bible  speaks to your fertility?

Infertility Sucks! But I know from personal experience that it can be overcome. When I dealt with infertility, I found the best source of hope was the Bible. It contains numerous scriptures that pertain directly to infertility. It also gives many accounts of women who were once barren/infertile/childless but became a mother, all because they trusted God to be true to His promises of fertility.

Here are some verses that I meditated on and repeatedly used as verbal affirmations, putting my name in each scripture.  You’ll find them to be great sources of HOPE.

Bible Verses that Speak to Your Fertility

Deuteronomy 7:14 [NKJV] ~ “You shall be blessed above all people; there shall not be male or female barren among you.”

Isaiah 50:7 [NKJV] ~ “For the Lord God will help me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.”

Leviticus 26:9 [Amplified Bible] ~ “For I will be leaning toward you with favor and regard for you, rendering you fruitful, multiplying you and establishing and ratifying my covenant with you.”

Hebrews 11:11 [NLT] ~ “It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.”

Luke 1:37 ~ “For with God NOTHING shall be impossible.”

John 17:23 (NLT)- [Jesus said], “You [Father] love them as much as You love me.”

Hebrews 13: 5 (NLT)- “For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Lamentations 3:26 (NKJV)- “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”

1 John 5:4 (NLT)- “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

1 John 5:14, 15 (NIV)- “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

What other bible verses do you depend on to give you hope during infertility?

TIP: You can find more verses in my book, A Seed of Hope: God’s Promises of Fertility.

 

Infertility Sucks! How Do You Maintain Hope for Becoming Pregnant?

Posted on by Evangeline

Infertility sucks! No two ways about it, there is nothing good about the struggle itself, however, good things can come out it when we open ourselves to those possibilities.

Looking back on my experience with infertility, I remember it as a time of a lot of not-so-good-for-you emotions. Some that surfaced during that struggle were:

  • Shock
  • Devastation
  • Demoralization
  • Inadequacy
  • Loneliness
  • Jealousy
  • Confusion
  • Stress
  • Shame
  • FEAR
  • and more…

Those negative emotions each challenged me in maintaining hope for a pregnancy and a healthy baby. It boiled down to making a decision about whether I would give up on God’s love for me and His promises of fertility. I chose not to give up on Him but that was hard! When you’re staring at negative results every month, and listening to the enemy’s whispers about how God is silent and not moving on your behalf, it’s difficult to keep hope alive.

How I Overcame Infertility

Thankfully, I had understanding and wise friends who pointed me to the Word to find my solution. That was how I OVERCAME those negative feelings and infertility itself. A particular friend heard from the Lord in her prayer time and encouraged me to learn about the women in the Bible who experienced infertility and overcame it. That was a turning point for me!

If you’re struggling through the emotions of infertility (and I do mean through–don’t get stuck there), you know where I’m coming from–infertility sucks! Please know that you are not alone. Trust in the Word of God. Trust in His love for you. Believe that He always keeps His promises.

Have confidence that God’s promises of fertility are true for YOU. Find and anchor your hope in them.

Which one of His promises resonates with you and helps you maintain hope?

 

Battling Infertility? Here’s an Effective Scripture-Based Prayer

Posted on by Evangeline

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have already been given the victory over everything the devil can throw at you… even if you’re battling infertility. In Him, you’ve been redeemed and made a partner to the biggest winner of all time! Prayer is a means of accessing the victory.

How do you pray? Have your prayers been filled with words of defeat, self-pity, and unbelief? Or do you pray with confidence that God’s promises of victory are for YOU?

Battling Infertility with Prayer

Here’s a prayer that can galvanize you in the belief that you are a victor and not a victim:

Prayer - Battling InfertilityFather, I’m Your child and I stand in the truth of your Word. I am in covenant with You and an heir to all your blessings. My spouse and I desire to have a baby. I stand on Your Word, with expectancy and thanksgiving, that  I receive that special gift from You. In the authority I have in Jesus, I speak to the “mountain” of infertility, “Be dried up at the root, never to affect our bodies again.”

We are redeemed from the curse. I believe that my womb is blessed and is a safe environment for our baby to grow. We look to experience a beautiful pregnancy, with no suffering during it.  Our expectation is a safe delivery that goes smoothly and quickly.

Thank You Father, for loving me.

Thanks for answering this prayer for the precious child you have created specifically for us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[Scripture references: Galatians 3:26, 29; Ephesians 2:4-6; Philippians 4:6; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24]

Coach’s Corner:

Here are a 3 questions to ponder. I encourage you to write the answers in your journal (or start one if you don’t have one!) .

  • How satisfied am I about my current level of expectancy and joy?
  • What does God’s Word say about expecting Him to come through on His promises?
  • How can I more effectively “speak to the mountain” of infertility using God’s Word?

If you’d like more encouragement and insight so that you more fully address the spiritual aspect of infertility, contact me to see if personal coaching might be of benefit to you. I’d love to talk with you about it!  🙂  #iHopeCoaching

 

 

Image courtesy of Nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did You Know There’s a SPIRITUAL Aspect of Infertility? #NIAW

Posted on by Evangeline

It’s National Infertility Awareness Week. Are you aware that there’s a spiritual experience associated with infertility?

Many people ignore the spiritual aspect of infertility.

It is so easy to lose focus on the spiritual nature of infertility when the physical aspect consumes your thought life and begins to overtake your daily life. You and your spouse can become so obsessed with finding the cause and the cure for your situation that it can rob you of your peace. When you’re not experiencing peace, you’re likely to ignore the one thing that can bring about the solution you’re looking for.

Spiritual Unrest

Some studies have shown that the degree of severity of a physical disease is often related to the degree of emotional and spiritual unrest being experienced by the patient. That unrest must be addressed. This is why it is important to strengthen yourself spiritually while dealing with infertility. Acknowledge the need to ask God for wisdom when faced with overcoming the enemy called “Infertility.” It may seem like a Goliath-sized enemy to you, but for God, “Infertility” is already a defeated foe because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Infertility is not too hard for God to break or destroy. God said so when he defeated infertility in Sarah’s life:

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” ~Genesis 18:14

The story of each woman in the Bible that struggled with infertility ended with her becoming an overcomer and giving birth, no matter her age, socio-economic status, or how long she had been infertile.

Stay WITH God

Luke 18:27 shows that Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible WITH God” (emphasis mine). That preposition, “with,” is an important word because it means “in close proximity to”.  You can come close and join yourself WITH Him by asking Him for help and for wisdom in the decisions you make, by reading His word, and by speaking and meditating His Word.

Even if you feel as if God has turned his back on you and no longer hears your prayers, look to Him. When is seems like God is ignoring you (He’s not), look to Him. Even though things haven’t changed after you’ve begged, cried, and pleaded in your prayers, look to Him. And yes, when you find yourself thinking, “I’ve had enough of this. Let’s just throw in the towel and give up,” look to Him. Why? Because the bottom line is, He has never left your side. He loves you immensely and wants His best to be demonstrated in your life. You have an enemy but it is not God, it’s Satan. Jesus is the One who has the power to eradicate this issue and He desires to do so. He needs you to know that He is there with you, standing with you in the face of this enemy. Then you can have faith that He always keeps His promises.

Make a Decision

Make a decision to consistently address the spiritual aspect of infertility.  It will make a positive difference! Trust that God’s Word is true for you. Keep your focus on His promises of fertility. Ask for a fresh revelation of His love for you. It will bring you guidance, comfort, and ultimately, greater peace.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusts in You.”
~ Isaiah 26:3

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: but not as the world gives… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Find more direction about how to spiritually address infertility… check out my fertility devotional, A Seed of Hope: God’s Promises of Fertility.

spiritual aspect of infertility-A Seed of Hope

God Did it Again — Another Victory Over Infertility!

Posted on by Evangeline

overcoming infertilityVictory over infertility is not too hard for God (Genesis 18:14)!

This is a letter that testifies of God’s goodness and His willingness to work on our behalf. It is from Camille, a reader of my blog. I pray it encourages you to not give up on God’s promises of fertility. Her story starts back in 2014.

An Overcomer

Back in November my husband and I decided to start the process for IVF.  This was after trying 3 unsuccessful IUIs before I ever read your book. So we thought we would go for it and if it was God’s will, it would happen for us.

We both believe that God is the giver of all life and we found a wonderful fertility specialist. What was so special about him is that when we met with him, he was very open and passionate about his belief in God being the orchestrator and creator of life and that his role was “helping setting the scene” from a medical standpoint for God to do his work. This was very important to me as sometimes these doctors do get the notion that they are in control and see themselves as God.

We went through the process of taking a lot of drugs and ended up having 9 eggs retrieved. There were 4 that survived. They implanted two and that is how we got our little boy and we have two more frozen embryos that we plan to have implanted in another 1.5-2 years.

My pregnancy was amazing. I had very little nausea and vomiting. I worked up until last my 39th week.  We have been blessed beyond measure. Our friends and family who have prayed for us this entire journey had 3 different baby showers for us. We have been provided with more than we could ever need for this baby and things keep coming. When God blesses you, he always go above and  beyond!

Reading A Seed of Hope

My husband and I read your book and it was so encouraging.  I would re-read certain passages over and over again when doubt and fear crept in. When I purchased your book, I posted something on your website/blog I believe only one time (I cannot remember what I posted). However, the day that you contacted me via email was a very interesting day. I was talking with my best friend about my struggle with infertility.  She and her husband had just given birth to my god-daughter through IVF and while I was extremely happy for her. However, I thought, “Why isn’t God not making it happen for me?” You see, I felt I had done things the “right way.” Coming from a family of teenage mothers, including my own who had me at 15, I waited. I went to college, found a God-fearing and loving husband, and we purchased our dream home. I went back to school to get a second Bachelor’s degree and we traveled the world. We certainly were ready!

However, on this particular day of talking with my best friend, I was so down and depressed. Usually she knew the things to say to keep me encouraged because she had gone through the same thing, but on this day, nothing was working. I think it made me more upset because I had gotten to a point where I felt she could no longer relate because she  had her baby. That’s another story.

Fighting Anger and Depression

I remember going to Wal-Mart to get some household supplies after getting off the phone with her and when I came out it was pouring down raining. With no umbrella and getting completely soaking wet, I looked up to the sky and said to God, “Come on… are you serious?” I was so full of anger and depression. However, when I got home, I had an email from you! Now I had never spoken to you and am sure that I had only posted on your blog just one time. This was a sign to me that the Lord hears us and He sends people our way (sometimes even strangers) to show us that He is still with us even when we think He is not. I have used this story as a testimony.

I’m sorry I wrote so much, but I really wanted to let you know how much you and your book has meant to our lives. You following up with me is another reminder of the importance of telling our story of God’s greatness and continued blessings. Please know that you are making a difference and that the Lord is truly using you to change lives.

If God did it before, He’ll do it again. He’s no respecter of persons. Keep your hope alive!

Hope is Having Only Positive Expectations. It is powerful and has an eternal purpose (1 Corinthians 13:13). The purpose of hope is to give you greater inner strength. It serves you no matter what you’re feeling or experiencing.

I pray that Camille’s story of victory over infertility will give you hope!

The Ways God’s Love Works in Your Life

Posted on by Evangeline

What do you do to tap into God’s love for you in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances? Find encouragement in my free handout, “Hope in Hard Places.” Request it today, using the blue arrow form to the right of this post.

God’s Love

Scripture assures us that God loves us in so many different ways. Here are a few of them to remind you that the Father loves you the same way He loves Jesus (John 17:23).

Scripture assures us that God loves us the same way He loves Jesus. (John 17:23) Share on X

God’s love is strong and He gladly protects us!

LOVE Psalm 5-12

God’s love brings joyful satisfaction! 

Background image by Vectorgirl |Fotolia

Background image by Vectorgirl |Fotolia

God IS love. Allow His love to be an ever-flowing river, with cascades of the highest level to bring joy in your life.

Background image by photointopainting
Background image by photointopainting

Nothing– no problem, no trouble, no struggle in your life — is too hard for God’s powerful love to solve or change.
Not even INFERTILITY!

Real Love

5 Secrets to Help You Shake Things Up and Enjoy Life

Posted on by Evangeline

I know what the pressure of infertility feels like. It’s as if it completely surrounds you, pressuring you to give up, to not enjoy life or to see any advantage in continuing to hope. In the midst of infertility, life can feel like you’re always stuck between a rock and a hard place. It seems like not much is working out in your favor. Every day seems as if infertility colors how you view life in general. It looms over every aspect of your life, clouding your vision so it’s hard to see anything good that’s on the horizon.

But I’m glad to share with you that in that place of feeling stuck, HOPE can shake things up, freeing you to enjoy life!

Here are 5 secrets that I’ve found that are powerful in helping you enjoy life as you maintain hope for victory in this struggle with infertility:

  1. Believe God loves you. His love is a “no matter what” kind of love. No matter what you’ve done/thought/said, He loves you with an unfailing and unending love.
  2. Decide to not give up. Don’t underestimate the power of a decision!
  3. Remember the previous times, big or small, when God has come through for you. Encourage yourself. Think about those successes and the joy you experienced.
  4. On a daily basis, affirm the promise of God that relates to your situation by speaking the Word out loud. Instead of focusing on medical facts, let God’s Word be your point of focus and become your truth.
  5. Greet each morning with gratitude for the gift of a new day. This helps set a positive tone for the day ahead of you. Thankfulness has a way of shifting our attitude, choices, and behavior.

Hope is one of the three things that 1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us will always remain as a resource that allows us to tap into God’s grace. We are to always have hope—the joyful and confident expectation of God coming through for us!

Hope established upon Jesus’ love never disappoints.

Allow hope to shake things up in your life so that you experience the freedom to confidently expect good things from your very good Heavenly Father.

An Affirmation for You:

God loves me and desires for me to experience only His goodness so that I enjoy life. I rest in His love for me. I choose to allow His desires for my life to shape my desires. I maintain my hope in God.

What things are you currently doing to help you enjoy life during the struggle? Please share below.