In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. –Matthew 5:16
Jessica was an unmarried mother of six children when she found out she was pregnant. The father of her children, including the one she now carried, was barely in the picture, and she was already struggling to make ends meet. Overwhelmed and afraid, Jessica decided to have an abortion.
Through a local church’s partnership with a nearby pregnancy center, several concerned believers learned about Jessica’s situation and decided to act. They came together to offer her the practical and emotional support she needed to make a life-affirming decision. They provided for her physical needs—driving her children to school, buying Christmas presents, and even remodeling her home so her family could have a safe, peaceful space.
But they didn’t stop there. They cared for her spiritual needs as well. This group of believers invited her to church, made breakfast for her family on Sunday mornings, and most importantly, shared Jesus with her through both their words and their example. Their consistent love and discipleship helped Jessica experience what it means to be part of the family of God.
Months later, Jessica’s ultrasound revealed that her baby had a genetic disorder and would only live a few days after birth. Yet because of the love, care, and discipleship she had received, Jessica chose to carry her baby to term and trust God with the outcome.
That is the power of discipleship—walking with people long enough for God to transform fear into faith. Jessica went from planning to abort what she thought was a healthy baby to choosing life for a child who would live only a few days. The difference was the Church being the Church.
There are nearly 400,000 churches in the United States. Imagine multiplying Jessica’s story by that number every year. That’s how we make abortion unthinkable—not just through information, but through incarnation: the body of Christ showing up in love.
Lord, awaken Your church to love, serve, and share the gospel with those facing pregnancy decisions. Raise up an army of disciples who bring Your hope to mothers and fathers in need. Amen.
Find encouragement like this post, along with many more days like it, when you download Care Net’s 365 Days of Pro Abundant Life devotional. This devotional is a daily invitation to grow in your faith, understand the sanctity of life from conception, and be inspired by Christ’s promises.