The Human Part of Miracles

One of the many unique struggles we face amid infertility is determining which family-building options are ethical and right for us. As Christians, we want to glorify God with our lives and choices, prayerfully pursuing what we perceive to be God’s will for us. But that isn’t always easy to discern. One thing many Christian couples wrestle with is how much we should try to change our situation—for instance, by taking supplements or using assisted reproductive technologies—or whether we should simply wait for Him to provide a miracle.

This can be a complicated reckoning, and no path is one-size-fits-all. But the story of Jesus feeding the crowd can help us here, with thousands of people miraculously fed on a little bread and some fish (Mark 6:41–42). But notice who feeds the crowd. It isn’t Jesus but the disciples (v. 37). And who provides the food? The disciples do (v. 38). Who distributes the meal and cleans up afterward? Again, it’s the disciples (vv. 39–43). Jesus did the miracle, but He did it through the disciples’ actions, blessing what they had in their hands.

God can accomplish anything without us, but sometimes He wants our involvement. This divine-human partnership is God’s general way of working. God’s miracles often come by praying and using the ethical options He’s placed in our hands.

Reflect: How has God worked with humankind to accomplish His will in the past? What decision could you combine both prayer and action in today, trusting God to lead you forward?

Pray: Dear God, give for the decisions we have to make, guiding us with your peace through each option. We place our future in Your hands and look forward to your guidance. Thank You for any and all miracles. Amen.