40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 18: Nothing ever happens

Deacon John, “I’ve gone out to pray at the abortion center ... and nothing ever happens.” I’ve heard this over the years -- and have even thought it myself. But I’ve learned it just isn't true. Deep down we know it’s false -- and sometimes we have stories that prove it. We have a special one today!

Stepping out to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil is an act of faith. You may see results immediately. Or maybe you’re just being asked to trust that the Lord will hear your prayer and bring his mercy and grace to someone who really needs it. Every now and then, the person on the receiving end of those blessings will come back to say “thank you!” ... and show you a beautiful child. Here’s an example.

Sacramento, California The volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in Sacramento just learned about a blessing that they had no idea God had provided. A woman pulled up to the vigil participants near the abortion center’s driveway and rolled down the window. One of the people praying offered her some information – but she said she’d been there before and seen the material. Then she told her story. Some time ago, she learned she was pregnant – and she was also diagnosed with cancer. When she arrived at the abortion business – the inaccurately-named Women’s Health Specialists – there were people praying outside who offered her information about a life-affirming health center that’s nearby. Since she already had an appointment at Women’s Health Specialists, she went inside … where she was told she needed to have an abortion right away. Afterward, she went to the medical practice recommended by the vigil participants. At this clinic, they helped look after her baby, and she was given a reference for cancer treatment. And now, she told the volunteers, she has a little boy … and she is cancer free. She just stopped by to tell the rest of the story. “I wanted to thank all of you for being here,” she said, “and sharing the information that saved my baby and made me well!”

Fayetteville, North Carolina Saturdays are usually one of the busiest days at the Planned Parenthood facility in Fayetteville. Usually. But not on this Saturday. Planned Parenthood was closed! Nonetheless, a young woman pulled into the parking lot and asked the volunteers to come look at her four-month old child. She then told them how she had come to this facility to get an abortion last year, but saw people standing outside and decided not to have the abortion. “Remember this story,” Amie, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator said. “Remember that you may never know who sees you or how much of an impact you may have by just simply being there. Without knowing it, you may be saving a baby's life.”

Edinburgh, Scotland “We have over 100 people supporting the vigil in Edinburgh,” said one of the 40 Days for Life team members. “It’s a true international effort,” she said, “with participants from Scotland, England, Poland, United States, Italy, France, Hungary, Argentina, Nigeria, India and Sri Lanka.” Archbishop Leo Cushley of the archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh joined the vigil recently. The archbishop said he was delighted to set aside time to pray on a bright, sunny morning ... [more]

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. —Psalm 127:3-5 Heavenly Father, please keep me from taking for granted the gift of children. Help us to remember this heritage that you have given us. Make us faithful stewards of these precious lives, that each generation might be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn D. Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316