Casting Your Net On The Other Side?

During my travels over the past two months, I met many couples who deeply desire a child but have been unable to conceive for reasons unknown. They shared this with me as a prayer concern. In my conversations with them, I realized that their pain stems not only from infertility but also from the immense pressure exerted by family and society.

Barren women have suffered this kind of pain since time immemorial. The desire to have children is built into our very being—though a few, like the DINKs (Double Income, No Kids), have chosen otherwise. Their true motives remain difficult for me to understand.

We are created with the DNA to multiply, as was God’s command when He created the first humans: “Be fruitful and multiply.” In a nation facing a population explosion, we often take life for granted and view it as a product of chance rather than a gift from God. Couples who struggle with childlessness are often the ones who understand the miracle of life most deeply.

Even with all the advancements in medical science, the creation of life remains a mystery. I recently asked a well-known embryologist—Dr. Sasikala Natarajamani, the wife of my childhood friend—how she views failed attempts at conception despite best efforts. She acknowledged that something beyond science is in control.

Expert Insights: Dr. Sasikala Natarajamani

MBBS, M Med Sci (ART), UK, EMB (ACE)
Scientific Director – Crea Conceptions (P) Ltd.
Email: sasikala@creaconceptions.com

Q: In spite of your best efforts, when your attempts fail, how do you view it?
A:
The biggest challenge—almost an emotional trauma—is conveying the news to the couples. Although they’re aware of the success rates and sign informed consent, they are still devastated when reality hits. We try to soften the blow with psychological counseling and encourage them to remain hopeful and relaxed. If there is even a slight window of opportunity, we urge them to try another cycle. Still, the fact remains: something beyond science controls this process.

Q: What advice would you give to couples who have faced repeated failed attempts?
A:
If there's even a slight chance of conception, we advise couples to try a few cycles—if their resources allow. But more importantly, they must remain mentally and physically relaxed, positive, and full of hope. For couples with lower chances, we recommend considering adoption—many happy families have come into being this way. In fact, some couples have conceived naturally after adoption!

A Spiritual Perspective

When we acknowledge God as the Author of Life, we must also acknowledge His sovereignty—He gives and takes life. Instead of turning to God only after all human methods fail, we must seek Him from the beginning and trust His hand in the process of conception.

I’m reminded of a story from the Bible. Peter, a fisherman and a disciple of Jesus, had fished all night and caught nothing. As he sat washing his nets in frustration, Jesus stepped into his boat and asked him to cast the net on the other side. Peter, despite being a seasoned fisherman and knowing this made no practical sense, obeyed. The result was miraculous—the net overflowed with fish, to the point of breaking.

When Jesus is in the boat, and when we choose to obey His voice, miracles beyond human comprehension can take place.

But the question remains: Are we ready to trust Him with our anxieties, our worries, and our deepest longings?

As Dr. Sasikala suggested, don’t rule out adoption. You could become a parent to a child who is going through the pain of being orphaned. Who knows? That act of obedience—casting your net on the other side—may be the miracle you were always waiting for.

_{All images used are for illustrative purposes only and have been sourced from Pexels.}