Lately I’ve been writing about some of the very real hardships we face while working to rescue the preborn and help their parents. Now that Thanksgiving is again upon us, let’s consider the blessings of taking part in this ministry.
I can think of at least 10 reasons to be grateful for standing in the gap for the unborn (I expound on these points in Unleashing Your Courageous Compassion).
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1. Be thankful for the holy days God puts on your calendar.
I remember the first time I got to see a baby girl whose teen mom changed her mind about abortion after our conversation. As I pulled back the pink blanket to behold the tiny, sleeping beauty, she opened her mouth as if to say, “Oh!” and capture the wonder of the moment.
You, too, have experienced holy days which leave you in awe.
2. Be thankful for the power of a baby’s presence.
Many clients are fearful about their futures because of an unplanned pregnancy. Abortion has no power to change their lives, but the birth of a baby does. Time and time again, a choice for life unites a family, heals wounds, offers purpose, and helps a floundering young woman to mature.
The presence of an image-bearer on the earth, however small and helpless, is amazing.
3. Be thankful for opportunities to share and display the gospel.
In our efforts to help young women and men who are anxious and upset about an unplanned pregnancy, we gain opportunities to share the good news of Jesus—and even to act as “midwives” helping facilitate spiritual new birth.
You get to be an emissary of hope, not just for the immediate future, but in light of eternity.
4. Be thankful for the way God breaks cycles and transforms lives.
Many of our clients are trapped in generational poverty and the issues which accompany these circumstances. Their family blessings have been robbed and replaced with despair. Through your kindness, perseverance, and faith, you can be an agent of restored blessing for those you serve and their entire family lines.
5. Be thankful for the privilege of facilitating healing.
I have never witnessed a more beautiful depiction of the power of the gospel than I have when helping women through post-abortion healing. Watching a woman gradually let go of guilt and have the gift of her self-worth and dignity restored is a breathtaking display of the love and mercy of God.
6. Be thankful that you are growing in your ministry skills.
As you reach out to help those facing unplanned pregnancies, you’ve no doubt found your capacity enlarging and your sensitivity increasing. You’ve learned counseling skills and principles of respect. You have your finger on the pulse of culture like never before, and you have fresh confidence to share the gospel.
How cool is that?
7. Be thankful for brothers and sisters who work shoulder to shoulder with you.
One of my favorite things about pregnancy center banquets is that they provide a lovely picture of unity in the Body of Christ. As we gather for the cause of Life, which is so close to God’s heart, we learn to put aside our differences, appreciate one another’s traditions, and glorify God together.
Such harmony makes the heart sing.
8. Be thankful that in serving your clients, you get to serve Jesus.
When we reach out to those who are hurting and in need, we like to see ourselves as the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. While it is true that we can represent our Savior by serving others, it is also true that those we serve wear the face of Christ (Matthew 25:40).
When we touch the life of a desperate young woman, we are ministering to Christ Himself.
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9. Be thankful you are earning an eternal reward.
The Bible mentions five different crowns which believers can earn (1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Rev. 2:10, 3:11). God knows we need rewards to look forward to after the hardships we’ve endured in this life. He counts moments of obedience in our lives and ministries that we may not even remember.
He’ll make it all so much more than worth it.
10. Be thankful you’re a pilgrim on this earth, a citizen of another kingdom.
In the realm for which we are bound, our King will make all things new. The atmosphere will be filled with inexpressible joy and glory. There will be no more tears or hopelessness, no more burdens or heavy hearts. Best of all, the enemy of death will be conquered at last, no longer a threat to even the most vulnerable of God’s image-bearers.
This Thanksgiving may your heart swell with gratitude for what God has done for you, in you and through you and your ministry—and may your thankfulness result in great joy.
