Devotional for Day 31, April 4, 2014
Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries
Intention: Pray for opportunities to share with an abortion-minded woman that the newness of life she is seeking is found only in Christ.
Scripture: If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Reflection: An unexpected pregnancy is perceived by many young women as the end of their life as they know it. News of an unexpected pregnancy pulls the rug from under her well laid plans. Sadly, these women may choose abor- tion as a matter of self-preservation, believing that an abortion will help re- turn life to normal and give them opportunity to start anew. They don’t see abortion as killing a child, but rather as saving their own life. Of course, abortion will not bring the newness of life they are seeking, but instead will bring death to their child, lifelong regret, and unexpected —possibly devastating—consequences to their own life. Abortion will be the choice made if we don’t meet them at the crossroad between life and death with a better way.
Almost without exception, these young women are looking for love, acceptance, and to be valued. In their efforts to have those needs met, they have become promiscuous. Most, if honest, will admit the needs were only met momentarily, if at all, during their brief encounter, and afterward the needs returned unmet. The truth is, only Christ loves them un- conditionally with an everlasting love. Only Christ will accept them as they are, and only Christ sees them for their true value in Him. He has a perfect plan for each woman and her child if only she will allow Christ to transform her life as she surrenders to Him. No, an unexpected pregnancy is not the end of life, but rather can be the beginning of two beautiful lives if God’s plan for them is given opportunity to unfold.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you give us a new song, a new purpose, a new direction, a new perspective. You remind us that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Give us boldness to share this Good News with those at the crossroads. May they choose life for their children and enjoy newness of life in You. Because of Christ we pray, amen.
Houston, Texas is the home of the largest abortion facility in the Western Hemisphere. As you drive up, the 78,000 square foot facility looks overwhelming.
When it opened a few years ago, many were disheartened … but not all. Texans responded in a big way — including a courageous, younger Texan.
In the midst of such evil, Christ can even use an 11-year-old girl to remind us of the hope He has in store. Be encouraged by these two reports that come from warm locations where the theme of their campaigns has been persistence.
Houston, Texas
Houston has been part of 40 Days for Life since the early days – even before the first-ever national event, there had already been a campaign there. The effort has grown into an ongoing presence outside one of the world’s largest abortion centers.
The Houston Coalition for Life sponsors 40 Days for Life … as well as a big blue mobile pregnancy center, parked right next to Planned Parenthood – even early in the morning when it’s still fairly dark outside.
Houston’s team passed along a note from one of their prayer vigil participants … a volunteer who’s all of 11 years old!
“Why do they have abortions?” she asked. “The mothers never get to experience the wonders of having a child. Instead of life, they get death. They go in scared and confused, come out with no child, and worse than they were when they came in. They never get to see their child celebrate his or her fifth birthday, they never get to experience the child’s warm hug and kiss. Why do they choose abortion?”
“These beautiful words should remind all of us, no matter what our age is, that abortion should be unthinkable,” said one of the Houston leaders. “And for abortion to be unthinkable, we all have to step up and do our part.”
Pensacola, Florida
“It was a beautiful night for life!” said Ernie in Pensacola, where their 12th 40 Days for Life campaign is underway. A crowd of about 120 joined for a candlelight vigil, with prayer led by Bishop Gregory Parkes.
Ernie noted that the abortion center is changing their routines. “This is a good sign,” he said.
Fridays had been busy days at this facility, but they’ve transferred many appointments to Thursdays. “The abortionist left at 9:30 one Friday when he usually leaves around noontime,” Ernie said. “This is a direct result of 40 Days for Life.”
That same Friday, two mothers rejected abortion. ”I was able to speak with one father and mother as they drove by,” he said.
Ernie asked them, “Did you keep your baby?” The father responded, “Yes we did!” The mother then confirmed with a big smile and said, “Yes!”
Ernie’s reaction? “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!”