Because my husband and I had struggled with infertility issues for several years, I decided to broach the topic with Ruth. Maybe she could help me overcome some of the resentment and frustration I was battling. When I spoke with her, she offered me wise counsel, but it wasn’t what I expected.

“I wasn’t able to have children because I’ve been on potent medications since I was a girl,” Ruth admitted. “Even though I had dreamed of being a mommy and felt motherhood was the noblest calling of all, I had to trust that God had another plan for me. The hardest part was letting go of my plan for my life. But God taught me to dream new dreams, and He has given me a life more wonderful than I ever imagined.”

While motherhood is certainly a noble calling and blessing from God, it’s not the only means through which women can serve Him and find fulfillment. When we elevate motherhood to the level of being our greatest source of joy, we actually erect an idol. Thus we make assumptions such as, “If I can’t have children, God must be displeased with me about something.”

If you are unable to bear children, God is mindful of your situation and still has great plans for you. If you know of someone who is struggling with infertility, pray that God will comfort her and that she will find her greatest joy in drawing close to the Lord.