“INTRODUCTION
Childlessness is a part of life and society. There have always been, there are and there will always be many, who are childless. Indeed from the first book of the Bible, it is recorded that the Patriarch of faith, Abraham and his wife - Sarah, faced several years of trial and frustration in waiting for their precious gift - Isaac - to arrive.
Childlessness is no respecter of persons - the rich and poor, the privileged and pauperised, the young and old, people from all walks of life have faced and are still facing this challenge and will continue to do so. It is therefore more common than many people imagine.
This book is for anyone who wants that reassurance that they are not alone. It should be used as a daily devotional on this journey of discovery and prayerfully read for divine assistance. There are 52 weeks of scripture and prayer resources to meditate on and helpful information to give practical knowledge and as much well being advice as is needful to have at hand. There are also prayer points to be used as weekly guidelines for spiritual support. A notes page is added for each week to record your thoughts, dreams and prayers and at the end, this can be a keepsake - a record of your incredible journey to victory.
FOREWORD
Sophia Loren’s story touched me deeply - a world-renowned actress and classic beauty, she had everything she could dream of: a loving husband, more money than she could ever hope for, and the world at her feet; yet, she had no child. Her attempts at producing offspring had met with failure, more than once, and she was devastated. Each time, the pregnancy was lost at around three months and she was beside herself with despair. Then her Doctor suggested a radical approach – bed rest for the full nine months! Her husband couldn’t imagine it, but she was keen and she disappeared from public life and hid herself for the period of her pregnancy. Away from the glare of prying eyes and razor-sharp tongues, she rested and read, probably prayed and meditated. Her pregnancy prospered and she gave birth to her first child, after years of trying.
It’s a story that resonates with millions of women, the world over. The maternal need to have a child is the deepest in many women – everything else pales into insignificance if this is not fulfilled. Even more devastating is when a woman miscarries. The pain is indescribable and though well meaning, the words “you will have another baby” seem insensitive and unfeeling.
I know, because I went through it; I was childless for 15 years and had several miscarriages. And though I did not wear my need as a garment, it was a yearning I had to fulfil. Looking back -though there is no shortcut to it, it helps when you have the support you need to pass through this journey. That’s why I have written this book – as support for women who are going through this same journey and need all the help they can get.
I pray it will help you and that you will receive your heart’s desire – your own child.
Yinka Ayeni
30th Sept 2014
Week 1
IN THE BEGINNING...
Waiting on the Lord for anything is an examination of faith – it tests your inner reserves and checks what you believe. Even for those of us who are not believers, the quest for offspring can lead us to a search for the Creator of Life. For those who are, it tests if your confessions of faith in Him are true. Many boast of being strong in faith but true faith is tested by trials and tribulations and even though the experience is very unpleasant at the time, after the test, we should emerge stronger and purposeful in our approach to life and its many challenges. I believe that the reason why I am an advocate for women’s rights to have children without having to wait for years and years, and to reduce the rate of miscarriage is simply because of the trials I had in conceiving. If I hadn’t been through this, I would probably not have written this book.
Monday: Nehemiah 1.1-2;8 My insight – All things can be aided, through fasting and prayer
Tuesday: Esther 4.1 -5.4 My insight – Corporate fasting and prayer makes a way where there seems to be no way
Wednesday: Daniel 1.5-19 My insight – Fasting can set you apart for great accomplishments.
Thursday: Mt 4.1-11 My insight – Fasting helps you in dealing with any weaknesses that may want to take your focus off your goal.
Friday: Mt 6.5-18 My insight – Learn how to pray – God’s way.
Saturday: 1 Kg 19. 1- 21 My insight – Never, ever give up! Help is closer than you think!
Sunday: Acts 13.1-12 My insight – Fasting and prayer allows the Holy Spirit to have His way and to empower you.
Take note: According to National Institute of Conception and Embriology (NICE) UK, infertility is defined as the inability to fall pregnant, after 2 years of regular unprotected sex.
Prayer Power Points:
• Open my eyes o Lord, to see where my problem is rooted in Jesus' name (IJN)
• I receive the divine mandate to enforce my right of conception IJN
Key Words: The trial of our faith produces patience Jam 1.3”