One thing that continues to amaze me is how when we are unsure of how to do something or we're doing something for the first time the Lord will often open our eyes to see something more than we expected. Read what Andrew had to say about his first experience praying during the 40 Days for Life campaign:
"I participated in my first 40 Days for Life vigil this morning at 7:00 a.m. I was the only person there at that time, and it was cold and quite lonely. It only took a few minutes before I realized that most women seeking an abortion must feel the exact same way - only so much more so. Once I had this realization, I spend the rest of the time praying for all those pregnant women out there feeling scared and lonely and for myself that I could more fully understand that feeling."
Perhaps you're not sure how to pray for an hour to end abortion. As he did for Andrew, I am confident that the Lord will lead you in your time of prayer.
Do you remember Jeremiah's call to the ministry as a prophet? You'll find it in the first chapter of the Book of Jeremiah:
The word of the LORD came to me saying,
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
"Alas, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am too young."
But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and I will rescue you, declares the LORD.
Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth. See today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and to tear down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."
Jeremiah's calling begins with a classic scripture that shows the humanity of the pre-born, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." But today I'd like to write about how the Lord helped Jeremiah overcome his fear of being God's prophet. Like many of us, Jeremiah was afraid to do what the Lord was asking him to do - to speak the truth publically. Let's face it, most of us find a few butterflies flying around our tummies when we are asked to speak - or quietly pray - in public. We wonder what people will think, say, or do when they see us, and we get as little uncomfortable. Or maybe a lot uncomfortable.
God has a remedy for that. "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and I will rescue you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth."
Are you nervous about praying in front of an abortion facility? That's OK. God knows that. He will be with you and will rescue you - even from your own fears.
Are you unsure of how to pray? That's OK, too. God knows that. He will reach out his hand, touch your mouth and fill it will His words.
As he did for Andrew and for Jeremiah, I am confident that the Lord will give us the words to say and to pray when we simply do what he asks us to do. How wonderful that the Lord showed Andrew something that he hadn't thought of before - how lonely women feel when they are seeking an abortion - and that Andrew's response was to pray for their loneliness and for his own greater understanding of that loneliness. How amazing that the Lord would touch Jeremiah's lips and fill his mouth with God's words for the nations. These two incidences really aren't all that different. Two men each needed to know how to do something and the Lord opened their eyes and gave them the words they needed.
Don't miss your opportunity to stand vigil and pray for an end to abortion. Who knows what marvelous things the Lord will show you? It's not too late to commit to pray and to go to the vigil site for at last one hour before April 17. You can view the Hourly Vigil Calendar on our 40 Days for Life Website, www.40daysforlife.com/columbus. Just click on the "Hourly Vigil Calendar" link in the upper right-hand corner of the page, login or register to use the calendar, and sign up to let us know when you'll be at the vigil site. If you need any help using the calendar, reply to this email or call 614.445.8508. We're here to help you.