Reimagining Pro-Life: 30 Days With Save the StorksSample

HEART //

There are a lot of astonishing things going on in this passage. First, Matthew tells us that Jesus will come back. Of that, we can be sure. We can also know that His arrival will be glorious because He is already victorious! Though sin assails us, though perfectly righteous lives evade us, “thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:56). 

In the fight for life, we can and should have a winning mentality, as we discussed on Day 8. Jesus reigns now and always! When we extend compassion to men and women facing an unplanned pregnancy, we can stand resolutely hopeful — regardless of the outcome of our efforts. One victory sustains our every pro-life endeavor: Christ defeated sin and death on the cross, and then He rose to His appointed seat in Heaven beside the Father (Romans 8:2–4; Ephesians 2:6). There is a battle between life and death, and in the end, life wins! 

What part is there left for us to play? Loving the vulnerable people that He made in His image is our honor and joy. (Remember Psalm 139?) Pastor Mike Dsane says that “if we’re not careful,” we would read this text and respond by saying, “Okay, if I feed enough hungry people and give away enough clothes and let enough people sleep on my couch, then I’m going to earn the kingdom.” That’s not what Jesus says! Human effort does not purchase a ticket to heaven. No, the blood of Christ purchased us, as Christ alone — not our own righteous ‘doing’ — can grant us eternal life.

On the other hand, we may think that our compassion won’t make a difference, but that’s simply untrue. No matter your age, income, amount of free time, number of resources — God wants to use all of it for His Kingdom. We simply live our lives at His feet in prayer, asking Him to provide us with the wisdom to know how and where to use our time, money, and resources compassionately for the hungry and thirsty, for strangers and needy people, for the sick and the prisoner. Jesus does not hesitate to identify Himself with the lowly, and we should be quick to see and help others as does the King of the universe. Whether their words and actions declare that He is King or not, their makeup does! We can love Christ by loving the people that He made in His likeness.

// WORK

Today, make a plan to gather with friends or family to pray together. An essential aspect of fasting from negative speech is filling our minds and our mouths with the word of God, which always leads us to prayer! 

Before your prayer meeting, consider doing some research on the pro-life ministries in your area. God is at work in the lives of the vulnerable and needy. What are a few things that you and your community can do throughout the rest of 30 Days with Save the Storks to help the pro-life ministries in your area? Maybe you can give up something that you would normally buy so that you can begin to spend yourself for women facing an unplanned pregnancy and their many needs. Maybe you can volunteer, supply donations, or simply ask them what needs they have!