Devotional for Day 12,
March 16, 2014
Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries
Intention: Pray to God who is able to do immeas- urably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion.
Scripture: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all genera- tions, forever and ever. Amen. — Ephesians 3:20-21
Reflection: God’s power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God’s Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength. Consider God’s hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: “Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest.”
Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, “Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.” It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?
Prayer: God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world. Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, noth- ing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, amen.
St. Patrick’s Day should start with good news – and today we have plenty! So far during this campaign, we are aware of …
… 142 babies who, through your prayers and the Lord’s mercy, have been saved from abortion.
Praise God!
Here are more stories of lives permanently changed on the sidewalks outside the abortion centers.
Tempe, Arizona
We’ve heard much good news from Tempe.
When prayer volunteers asked two young women if they wanted to talk, their answer was, “Yes. We heard you say you offer free ultrasounds.” Lisa in Tempe said the girls had become frustrated, as Planned Parenthood was running three hours behind schedule.
After the one who was considering abortion received information and a gift bag, she told Lisa she was going to keep her baby, “and went to one of our local pregnancy centers for genuine help.”
A mother and daughter pulled up to a volunteer holding a sign that said, “Pregnant? We can help.” As the mother got out of the car, the volunteer offered pro-life resources. She held out her hand, took the information without a word, got back in the car and drove away.
Two groups of women who were both there with friends scheduled for abortions came over and talked about options for their friends. They received literature and called their friends inside to talk to them. Both women left without having an abortion.
Lisa said, “Your continued prayers and witness will bring Christ to those who have become lost because of ‘choice.’”
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
In Cedar Rapids, a woman showed up early for her appointment at Planned Parenthood. “She was not pregnant,” Jim said, “and was going there for some other type of appointment.”
She told volunteers that she had come about a year ago, planning to have an abortion. But the sight of the people praying made her decide against it. She now has a 4-month-old daughter and is very happy.
“Although we suspect there were many other saves in the past,” Jim said, “this was the first confirmed one in Cedar Rapids. It makes us feel like the cold weather we had last spring was well worth it!”
Boston, Massachusetts
Rita tells us there were two babies saved in Boston on one day. “Sidewalk counsellors were joined by a large group of people praying and singing hymns,” she said, “and many were holding 40 Days for Life signs.”
Volunteers rejoiced when a woman came out of Planned Parenthood and said, “Your prayers have been answered. I’m not going to do it.” And then a short time later, it happened again!