Trying to Prevent Babies Or Trying To Conceive - What's the Difference?

To most people, our desire to have more children probably seems rather absurd, especially if they find out we already have the "perfect family" (a boy and a girl), and our youngest is only 15 months old. It's sounds silly, now that I write this down, but I've struggled a lot with whether or not it's right to try and conceive. 

Charity Sofia - 1 week old

People who argue in favor of birth control tell me it's no different to try and prevent babies than it is to try and have them. "Either way," they say, "a person is taking matters into their own hands." Is it true? Is taking a contraceptive the same as taking an ovulation test? 

There are exceptions of course, but as a general rule, most people who don't want children can easily prevent them. On the other hand, any couple who's experienced the pain of infertility will tell you that the ability to conceive is outside of their control. No amount of fertility drugs, special diets, schedules, tests, or intimacy can guarantee the desired result. Ultimately, it is the Lord who opens and closes the womb. 

God knew from the beginning of time that preventing pregnancy would be easy and that bearing children would be a miracle that He alone could perform. Perhaps that's because He wants us to recognize Him as the Author of life and the Giver of good gifts. Each time we are able to have a child, it is because God is showing us His unmerited grace and favor. (Psalm 127:3-5; Psalm 128; Isaiah 51:2; Jeremiah 30:19; Genesis 33:5; Ruth 4:13b; Deuteronomy 7:12-16)

Judah Paul - 3 weeks old

Does God bless the means we take in order to receive a blessing from His hands? Often, yes - He does reward a positive ovulation test with new life. Not because we timed it right, but because God opened the womb during that time.

 Does that mean it's the Lord's blessing too when a contraceptive works exactly how it was designed? No. All it means is that God has given us the desire of our own heart - a very sobering position to be in considering we are fallen creatures who by nature do not understand what is best for us. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Proverbs 28:26; Proverbs 3:5-6)

The Lord loves children, He loves His people, and He calls the fruit of the womb His reward. That's why I believe preparing your body and your heart to receive His blessings in His time is very different than trying to play god of our own lives and prevent them altogether.