“Without Hope, You Are Hopeless!” is a six-week Bible study for couples facing fertility challenges. Written by Casey and Julie Ross for Stepping Stones, the study is intended to be completed with a spouse, a trusted friend, a Bible study group or a support group.

Each study opens with a reflection about a particular aspect of the authors’ infertility experience. The reflection is followed by several questions for discussion, and includes space for you to journal your responses.

The authors encourage people to write their responses, saying, “It will help you better understand what God is saying to you. It will also help you in the future to be able to look back at what you wrote.” Most of the questions ask you to read a Bible verse and reflect on how the verse mirrors what’s going on in your life.

Here’s a synopsis of the theme for each study:

Study 1: Why us?
This study focuses on learning that you’re infertile and wondering, “What did we do to deserve this?’

Study 2: God “Owes” Us a Child
This study discusses how many couples who have led virtuous lives feel as if God owes them a child. It examines the Scripture from Genesis 1:28: God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’

Study 3: You Need People
This study talks about how, during the journey through infertility, couples need the support of people who are sensitive to their unique needs.

Study 4: Let It Out
This study centers around expressing your emotions in healthy ways.

Study 5: Learn to Laugh
“Infertility stinks! But if you don’t learn to laugh at it from time to time, it will defeat you.” This study encourages you to learn to laugh together as a couple about your infertility, in ways that will strengthen your marriage and help you cope with infertility.

Study 6: Without Hope, You are Hopeless
This study encourages readers to trust God and to develop an intimate relationship with Him that focuses on God’s faithfulness. God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we desire, but that doesn’t mean we should give up trusting in Him.

Stepping Stones is a ministry of Bethany Christian Services that offers “stepping stones” of encouragement, support and information for infertile couples.

I have received the Stepping Stones newsletter for years and have always been impressed with the quality of the articles and the newsletter’s appealing design. I was surprised that this 16-page booklet doesn’t maintain the same quality standards as the newsletter. The writing was unpolished, repetitious in places, and more author-focused than reader-focused.

Still, for someone experiencing fertility challenges and wanting an opportunity to process the spiritual issues of infertility, this booklet is a good starting place. I think that’s what the authors intended, because they write, “Use the six sessions in this book as a beginning –a beginning to openly talk about the feelings and emotions which are unique to your journey.

The booklet can be purchased from Stepping Stones for $6.00 ($5.00 for orders of 5 or more)