Women coming to abort their child feel their life is ending unless they discard the baby. This is the opposite of what God is so beautifully showing with the creation of that precious new life. This is a new beginning that can completely rock their world for God’s good purpose.
So often, moms who choose life tell me that it was the baby who saved their life. They often say they never imagined the depth of their love for that little one, or how whatever they had to sacrifice to make room for the baby was worth it. Almost always they admit life completely changed with the baby, but those changes are ones for which they are grateful.
Your Choice Determines your Beginnings
No matter what decision is made, for life or death, it will change that mother’s life forever. The new beginning will be her choice: a beginning of a new life, or a beginning of living with the knowledge of taking that innocent life.
Painting the Vision
We are called as counselors on the sidewalks of abortion centers to paint a vision so compelling that the moms are drawn to their child and will choose life. More importantly, we desire to present the truth of the Gospel such that they would be drawn ultimately to God. We can help them understand that the new life of the baby growing in their womb is the symbol Jesus used to describe the new life in Him.
You must be born again.
“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Nicodemus could not understand what Jesus was trying to tell them. He pictured His words as literal. How could someone return to the womb and be born again? It made no sense to him. But Jesus goes on to explain that one must have a new birth of the Spirit to enter God’s kingdom. Later in that passage, He explains that God’s only begotten son, Himself, was sent by God to bring everlasting life to those who believe in Him. This is the New Beginning, the New Birth, that would be of the spirit and would save the world.
The Importance of the Gospel
In the few seconds we have to speak to most of the women, we are unable to share the full Gospel. However, we can appeal to the desire of every human heart to wipe the slate clean, to have a fresh start, to get off the cycle of sin and destructive choices. Jesus’ words to Nicodemus sparked a yearning in him that ultimately seems to have led to his salvation.
(The Bible doesn’t explicitly say that Nicodemus was saved, but it implies that he may have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Here are some things that suggest this: Nicodemus questioned Jesus, listened to his answers, and defended him to the other Pharisees. Nicodemus helped prepare Jesus’ body for burial by anointing it with perfumed ointment. He was not afraid to risk his reputation as a Pharisee to speak in favor of Jesus.)
Similarly, words about a new beginning can stir the hearts of the women who know they are on a path they do not want to be on. We can help them turn their eyes from their struggles to their Savior, and the way He has chosen to bring about this miracle is through their unborn baby.
Practical Things We Can Say
- Look at where you are today. Is this a place you want to be, or ever thought you would be?
- Look at where your choices up to this point have led you. God has so much more for you, a whole new life, not only the baby, but for YOU, if you turn to Him and trust Him with this situation.
- This baby is not a mistake. God doesn’t make mistakes.
- God is the creator of life. He did not have to give the spark of life to this child, but He did. There MUST be a reason.
- There is a new and wonderful divine plan and purpose for this baby…and for you.
- Maybe you are longing for a new beginning in life, a fresh start. That is possible in Jesus.
The Symbol of Jesus Himself
Jesus came to earth in human form as an unborn baby. He was conceived by God and placed in the womb of an unwed, poor teenager betrothed to a man who was not the father of the baby. If anyone was facing struggles because of an unexpected pregnancy, it was Mary. God is showing us, even through the story of Jesus the Fetus, the sacred value of the unborn. The apparent maternal inadequacy did not affect the fact that the unborn baby was of incomparable value.
But look at how Mary responded. She did not rail against the time not being right for a child, or her inability to provide for a child, or the threat of death (at worst) and persecution and misunderstanding (at best.)
“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38
She trusted God and said she was the handmaiden of the Lord.
Her faith led to the birth of Jesus and the salvation of the world.
God Knows What He Is Doing
We need to remind the women that trusting God knows what He is doing may be just the NEW BEGINNING they are longing for.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”
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