February 28, 2009
As a veteran of five 40 Days for Life campaigns in my
hometown of Bryan/College Station, Texas and now four
nationally coordinated campaigns, I never cease to be
amazed at some of the heartbreaking stories women tell
the people praying outside the abortion centers.
At an abortion facility in Florida, a woman and her
daughter got out of their truck. It was a chilly
morning, and not many people were present outside.
But one man saw that these two were headed for the
door, and he feared the daughter was arriving for an
abortion.
He identified himself as the pastor of a Baptist
church in town, offered to put them in touch with a
pro-life pregnancy center, and tried to hand them some
literature. The older woman looked at the pastor and
said, "I don't want your information. We're Catholic."
The women then walked past him and into the clinic.
The others standing vigil were stunned and felt a
sense of failure. But in time, they realized that by
faithfully answering God's call to stand and pray,
they may have provided the only display of love that
this child ever knew here on earth.
I'm encouraged by the prayer team in Iowa, who spoke
to a troubled woman outside a Planned Parenthood
abortion center. The young woman was pregnant with
twins, and she had arrived for her abortion.
But apparently, she only had enough to pay for
aborting one baby but not two. Planned Parenthood
wanted more money.
After she spoke with counselors outside the clinic,
this mother of twins decided to keep her babies.
Praise God!
From time to time, however, I hear from other people
who wonder why "nothing ever happens" when they go to
the abortion centers to pray.
Believe me, I know how you feel. But remember that
just isn't true -- something IS happening!
For whatever reason, God does not always permit us to
see the results right away.
Keep in mind that things happen in God's time -- not
ours. The fruits of 40 Days for Life are often not
seen during the actual 40 days, but only become known
some time afterward.
God is at work; He's just taking His time.
Pensacola, Florida held a 40 Days for Life vigil last
fall. Almost two months after the campaign ended, the
team there received word that a woman who worked for
the abortion clinic had quit her job. One of the
woman's relatives confirmed the news.
All during the 40 days, people prayed for the
conversion of clinic employees. Their prayers were
heard; they just didn't know it at the time.
A Michigan team got word before Christmas that the
clinic where their fall vigil was held had closed for
remodeling. They were told there was no firm date for
re-opening, and no abortions were being scheduled at
that time.
All during the 40 days, people prayed that abortions
would stop. Their prayers were heard; they just didn't
know it at the time.
Abortion will end; we just don't know at what time.
And so we continue to pray.
Today's devotional was prepared by Carmen Pate, a
40 Days for Life board member and co-host of the
nationally syndicated Point of View radio talk show...
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DAY 4 INTENTION
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Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor
of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the
power of His might.
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SCRIPTURE
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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having
done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
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REFLECTION
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I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue
of life is perceived more often in churches today as
political rather than spiritual.
Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception
to silence many in the body of Christ.
We must see the battle for what it is and we must
daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your
Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) --
this fallen world.
Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel
Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser
Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet
revelation for human reasoning.
Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word
is powerful and effective.
Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and
the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)
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PRAYER
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Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of
abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly
Yours. Thank you for hearing our requests for
direction and protection. Thank you for the victory
that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2009day04print.pdf
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John- let's press on with the full armor of God!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life