The Pain of the Childless
But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Luke 1:7 NIV
How would you like to be known as “barren Elizabeth”? It was considered almost a curse in Bible days to not have children. It was assumed there was something in a person’s life in which God was not pleased. Zechariah and Elizabeth were good, Godly people, yet they had no children and they were past the normal age of childbirth.
In our ministry, Cheryl and I have many opportunities to hold babies. It is always, however, somewhat bittersweet. As wonderful as it is to rejoice with one couple, someone is always in mourning, because either they recently lost a child, or they have been unable to have one. We have learned it is a miserable pain.
I can’t pretend that I know how that feels, because I don’t, but having a minister’s heart, I can tell you that I do understand that it is a very real heartache to be childless and want a child. Holidays and the celebrations of birth of other children only remind the childless that a part of their heart is empty. When thousands of children starve to death around the world, it seems a tragedy that many couples have a remaining prayer request to be granted a child.
I suspect Zechariah and Elizabeth could identify with such couples. Their broken hearts were a reminder to them of their desire to be parents. Some of you reading this can understand the pain of those who remain childless, and desire to parent. Remember them this Christmas season. Share God’s love with them. Pray for them. Be sensitive around them. Be Jesus to them.
4 responses to "The Pain of the Childless"
In 5 years of blogging – 14 years of a childless marriage and more than 40 years of life with Jesus this is the very first time I have ever heard a church leader of any sort, let alone a pastor, acknowledge the pain that my wife and I wake up with every day.
Thank you.
Wow, thanks John. Thanks for being transparent with your pain. I am certain there are many others that identify with you directly.
My pastor spoke on this this weekend too, and I couldn't help but sit there and think that it's even worse to be childless because you're also single. At least a married couple has options. A single person must just deal with the ache of lonliness both for a child AND for a spouse. I'm not in any way trying to downplay the pain so many couples experience as they try over and over to have a child, I'm just saying that for me at least, the pain is compounded.
Absolutely. There are so many hidden pains this time of year. Thanks for reminding us of this one.