Statistics say that 1 in 8 couples battles infertility at some point. So many women I know at this moment are also whispering that phrase: “I want to get pregnant!” What seems like it should be natural and easy has turned out to be a challenge for so many people, including me.

I have been fascinated to read about many women in the Bible who struggled with infertility many centuries ago. I encourage myself with the reminders that this battle has been fought – and won – many years before. Hannah, who eventually became the mother to Samuel, was married to a man who had two wives. His other wife was very fertile and she provoked Hannah to jealousy. I suppose it helped that Hannah’s husband loved her very much, even though he said things to her like, “Honey, aren’t I better than TEN sons?” (Find the full story in 1 Samuel chapter 1.)

Then there was Rachel, also married to a man who had another wife – who happened to be her very fertile sister. They had quite a complicated situation – and when Rachel was unable to conceive she threatened her husband: “Give me children or I’ll die!” (This story is found in Genesis 29-30.)

My bucket list, my Christmas wish list, and my greatest desire for the past five years is to be a mother. “I just want to get pregnant,” is the thought that runs around my mind all the time. Although I haven’t gotten pregnant yet, I’ve lived an interesting life in the past five years, and more than just living life, I’ve grown tremendously as a person. I’ve gained hope for my situation. I’ve grown in faith. I somehow managed to have a fabulous year last year – even though my greatest dream of pregnancy and motherhood has not yet come.

Hannah, Rachel, and many other women in the Bible eventually had their babies – some even waited decades. This is not the end of my story – there is yet hope!