The word “overcome” is an interesting word, isn’t it? It can relay two different meanings depending on its usage. If we overcome (intransitive verb) something, we defeat it, conquer it, prevail. We succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.
Alternatively, if we are overcome (transitive verb) by something, we are consumed, overwhelmed, overpowered, moved. The sense of being overcome is of an emotional state rather than an action.
Infertility is a type of suffering that can overcome us, or we can overcome it. Are you unsure where you stand in your infertility journey? The natural fruits of the state of your heart will look something like this:
To Be Overcome by Infertility
- Bitterness
- Resentment
- Anger
- Jealousy
- Envy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsession
- Wallowing
- Avoidance
- Intolerance
- Self-Pity
- Giving Up
- Guilt
To Overcome Infertility
- Thankfulness
- Perseverance
- Peace
- Contentment
- Trust
- Joy
- Patience
- Belief
- Confidence
- Courage
- Freedom
Friend, the pain of infertility has the power to overcome you, but you also have the power to overcome it. The choice is yours.
Maybe you think you haven’t been overcome by infertility because you aren’t bitter or envious. However, do you spend the majority of your time online researching how to “fix” your infertility? Maybe you research the internet for hours, or maybe you only run to TTC (Trying to Conceive) blogs and forums. Maybe you overspend on eating and drinking the perfect blend of fertility-promoting nutrients. Perhaps you avoid friends with children or refuse to attend baby showers. Search your heart and confess, “Yes, I am overcome by my infertility.”
You may be thinking, “Seriously, Meredith? You have no idea the pain I’ve endured. I have the right to be overcome by this heartache.” And that’s true! I have not experienced your unique life story. However, I have experienced physical, emotional, and spiritual pain due to infertility. I have screamed in anguish. I have cried almost to the point of hyperventilating. I have had anxiety and panic attacks. I have been angry with the Lord for blessing others. I have had sleepless nights. I have questioned God’s sovereignty. I have been outraged at the ignorance and insensitivity of others to the point of potentially ruining the relationships. I have worried myself into despair. I know what it is like to be overcome by infertility.
Apart from running into the Lord’s arms, it has been impossible to walk the road of infertility in true confidence or freedom. And in a beautifully twisted way that only the Lord could ordain, my being overcome by infertility forced me to run to God — and by running to God, I’ve learned about who He is and who I am in Him. For that, I praise Him day in and day out for leading me to recognize who I am as His redeemed daughter!
Did you notice the word “sadness” is not listed under “To Be Overcome”? This is because sadness and grief are a natural result of suffering and living in a broken world — sadness itself is not a sin. Remember, Jesus wept and experienced anguish because of the pains this world gives (John 11:35), and yet He was sinless. If you are walking with Christ, it does not mean you will be a numb, robotic shell of a woman without pain or emotion.
Here’s the good news, sister. We have an almighty sympathizer who knows what it’s like to experience pain and suffering. Not only has our Creator experienced pain, he has gone beyond what any mortal man can do by overcoming death! And what else can overcome this? Scripture assures us that the gates of hell will not overcome His people (Matt. 16:18), that we have authority to overcome the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19), and that His brilliant light cannot be overcome by darkness (John 1:5). Not only this, but all who believe that Jesus is the Son of God also victoriously overcomes the world (1 John 5:5)!
Jesus came to walk among us to open the door to salvation to all who will accept His free gift. He did this so that in Him you’d have peace: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” Jesus said (John 16:33). Your suffering in this life may never be ridden, and you may never physically overcome infertility, but you will never have to carry the burden alone so long as you are in Christ.
Perhaps you are struggling with the idea of being freed from infertility’s burdens. Maybe it seems impossible, unimaginable, or outright ridiculous. If you feel that way, oh sister please run to Christ’s arms. Cast your burdens onto Him. As the mute son’s father asked of Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), will you do the same today? Bring your unbelief, your burdens, your darkness — bring it to the feet of Jesus. By His power, you can overcome infertility’s darkness.
—
Cover image used with permission from picjumbo.com.
It’s definitely a struggle.
Thanks for stopping by, Kristy! So grateful we aren’t meant to walk this life alone! xo