40 Days For Life: DAY 40: Why we pray

 

You've been through a lot these last 40 days. Campaign kickoff events and movie premieres. Rain, wind, sleet, and snow. Thumbs up and middle fingers. Smiles and scowls. You've rejoiced with moms who've chosen life for their babies. You've allowed your heart to be broken for the hearts stopped by abortion. You've sacrificed time, sleep, and maybe even some sweat. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith. But why?

Earlier this week, Bob, the 40 Days for Life leader in Downers Grove, Illinois, found a most peculiar email in his inbox. "Thank you, pro-life, for the gift of my grandson!" That's it. No details, no explanation. Bob wrote back, asking for a little context to the unexpected message. "My son learned last week that he has an 8-year-old son," read the response. "He had no idea. I was filled with joy. My first thought was, 'THANK YOU for choosing life!' She was being convinced otherwise. A pro-life advocate helped her. I can't wait to meet my grandson! My son met him Sunday. He said it was like looking in a mirror. He's so excited to be physically, emotionally, and financially involved. Praise the Lord! Where there is LIFE, there is HOPE!"

This exact moment is the reason you've spent the last 40 days praying and fasting. Whatever struggles, brokenness, bad decisions, or difficult circumstances led a woman to an abortion facility, your peaceful presence brought hope out of despair. And the result is the most beautiful sight in the world: a mother gazing upon her newborn baby for the first time. A father seeing his child for the first time. And the joyful anticipation of a grandmother about to meet her grandchild for the very first time. The result is the beginning of the end of abortion.

San Francisco, California Many of you have asked how Ron, our San Francisco 40 Days for Life leader, is doing after being attacked at his vigil site. I'm happy to report that Ron is doing well--and was back out at his vigil the very next week! God also used Ron and his team to save TWO babies from abortion!

Timisoara, Romania A woman passing by the Timisoara vigil stopped to see what vigil participants were up to. Upon reading their signs, she returned home and told her neighbor--who was planning to have an abortion--about the campaign. Simply relaying the messages printed on the prayer warriors' signs was enough to empower the passerby's abortion-minded neighbor to choose life! "Glory to God!" the campaign team wrote.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” — Revelation 21:4-5 Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President/CEO, 40 Days for Life

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