By Faith….Not Afraid

Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, "Every son (Hebrew) who is born you are to cast into the Nile, and every daughter you are to keep alive." Exodus 1:22 NAS

And the woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was beautiful, she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got him a wicker basket and covered it over with tar and pitch. Then she put the child into it, and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. Exodus 2:2-3 NAS

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. Hebrews 11:23 NAS

When I read in the O.T. and the N.T. that Moses was hidden because his parents saw he was a beautiful child, I smile. I thought both of my newborns were beautiful and felt the same about my grandchildren. Most parents and grandparents gaze with wonder and delight at the beautiful little creation who has entered their world and instantly stolen their hearts. I can’t imagine what my reaction would have been if they were under threat, but I know that I would protect them.

Women in our country don’t have to face such a harsh decree, but we do have societal pressures that encourage abortion. Without thinking very hard or long I can call to mind three women I know, who were told by doctors that it would be best if they aborted the children they were carrying. By faith they carried their little ones to term. Two of the women were rewarded with beautiful babies. The third mother suffered the death of her little one shortly after birth. Her reward was in placing her daughter into His hands and the peace of heart and conscience that comes from obedience.

Moses’ mother in an attempt to save her son gave him up for adoption. She trusted God that whoever found him would love him and be merciful. I have nothing but respect for women who give their babies life even if they themselves don’t raise them. It is a brave and selfless thing to do.

I have friends who in trying and fearful circumstances succumbed to the pressure and had an abortion. They have suffered the consequences of broken hearts, wounded souls, and the haunting thoughts of what might have been. They have taken it to the cross of Jesus and found that His grace indeed is sufficient. He has poured the healing balm of His mercy over their damaged hearts. I am not writing this to bring condemnation, but awareness that the enemy of our souls only comes to kill, steal, and destroy and he uses well honed tactics.

The “kings” of our land opened up a horrible scourge on our country by pronouncing abortion to be a legal and personal decision between a woman and her doctor. The number of abortions in America since 1973 numbers at 49,551,703, yes… that is forty-nine and a half million babies. I can only imagine the wonderful children who have been sacrificed on the altar of fear, selfishness, and a lack of personal responsibility.

So what do we do? We exercise our rights as citizens and vote for pro-life candidates. I am appalled at the number of Christians who don’t vote. We encourage our local church to support pro-life organizations. We show compassion to those who are facing unwanted, untimely, or difficult pregnancies. Educate yourself so that you can speak up intelligently in conversations with friends and family. Volunteer your time in projects that reach out to help single moms. Pray that God will bring the church and America to repentance that we have allowed this horrible sin to exist in this country.

MY PRAYER: Father, righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Lord, abortion is a disgrace and great sin before you. Forgive us and help us to humble ourselves and turn from our wicked ways of apathy and inaction. Help us to pray and to act compassionately to be part of the solution. For Jesus sake and the honor of Your name, amen.

MY CONFESSION: You have promised that if Your people would humble themselves and pray, and seek Your face, turn from our wicked ways, You will forgive our sin and heal our land. I stand on Your Word! II Chronicles 7:14 NAS