The Stories of 5 Amazing Biblical Mothers Who Conceived by God’s Grace
These unusual births seem to defy nature, they show God’s power and love for his people.
Something strange seems to be happening. In recent months, Hollywood stars Al Pacino, 83, and Robert de Niro, 79, have become fathers at an age when most men are preparing to retire and enjoy the joy of their grandchildren. Then, Naomi Campbell announced that she welcomed her second child through surrogacy at age 53.
Clearly, the Church today opposes surrogacy and in fact considers it a serious violation of human dignity. However, the news of all these abnormal births reminds us of some extraordinary pregnancies that occurred in the Bible. These cases were not only unusual but also miraculous. They involved God’s intervention in a way that He showed His love for the faithful.
The Wonders of God in the Lives of 5 Pregnant Women in the Bible...
1. Sarah
This biblical woman actually gave birth at age 90! That’s right, the wife of Abraham, 99, gave birth and raised her son Isaac after God assured the “father of many nations” that he would have a son.
The birth of Isaac, who would become the grandfather of the 12 tribes of Israel, proved that nothing is beyond God’s power and He always keeps His promises.
2. Rebekah
Isaac’s wife knew she was barren, but then became pregnant thanks to prayer and God’s intervention. While today ultrasound technology can tell a woman she is pregnant with twins, Rebekah could feel that she was carrying children who were already competing with each other.
When Rebekah asked God about her pregnancy, God said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger” (Gen 25:23).
Indeed, Rebekah gave birth to two sons, Jacob and Esau. And their brotherly relationship is another story!
3. Samson’s mother
Although we know nothing about the name of Samson’s mother, she was said to be unable to have children with her husband Manoah. However, in Judges 13:6-7, we read:
“A man of God came to me; his appearance was like that of an angel of God, very awe-inspiring. I did not ask him where he came from; and he did not tell me his name. But he said to me: ‘You shall conceive and bear a son; so then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the boy shall be a nazirite to God from birth to the day of his death.’”
This boy became Samson, the brave hero of the Old Testament, who defeated the Philistines.
4. Elizabeth
Elizabeth was righteous and her husband, a priest named Zacariah, were both old and childless. As a priest, this was especially hard to accept, as people at that time considered barrenness a sign that God was displeased with the couple.
However, after praying to God, Zacariah said:
“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zacariah, for your prayer has been heard; your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great before the Lord. He shall drink no wine nor strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb’” (Lk 1:13-15).
Filled with joy, Zacariah was speechless throughout his wife’s pregnancy. And when Elizabeth’s relative, the Virgin Mary, came to announce her pregnancy, Elizabeth’s child leaped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Of course, Elizabeth’s son was John the Baptist, who would pave the way for the Savior.
4. The Virgin Mary
We save the most wonderful thing for last! The most amazing thing of all pregnancies belongs to the Mother of Jesus Christ.
Everything about Mary’s pregnancy and what happened afterwards was a miracle, including the virginal conception, the faith that allowed Mary to say “yes” to God, Joseph’s acceptance to raise God’s Son, Christmas, the life and resurrection of Christ himself.
When we recall these literally miraculous stories, we understand that every life is truly a gift from God.
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