Today's devotional is from Carmen Pate, a member of
the 40 Days for Life board of directors.

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DAY 31 INTENTION
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Pray for opportunities to share with an abortion-
minded woman that the newness of life she is seeking
is found only in Christ.

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SCRIPTURE
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If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old
things have passed away; behold all things have become
new.

-- 2 Corinthians 5:17

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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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An unexpected pregnancy is perceived by many young
women as the end of their life as they know it. News
of an unexpected pregnancy pulls the rug from under
her well laid plans.

Sadly, these women may choose abortion as a matter of
self-preservation, believing that an abortion will
help return life to normal and give them opportunity
to start anew.

They don't see abortion as killing a child, but rather
as saving their own life. Of course, abortion will not
bring the newness of life they are seeking, but
instead will bring death to their child, lifelong
regret, and unexpected -- possibly devastating --
consequences to their own life.

Abortion will be the choice made if we don't meet them
at the crossroad between life and death with a better
way.

Almost without exception, these young women are
looking for love, acceptance, and to be valued.

In their efforts to have those needs met, they have
become promiscuous. Most, if honest, will admit the
needs were only met momentarily, if at all, during
their brief encounter, and afterward the needs
returned unmet.

The truth is, only Christ loves them unconditionally
with an everlasting love. Only Christ will accept them
as they are, and only Christ sees them for their true
value in Him.

He has a perfect plan for each woman and her child if
only she will allow Christ to transform her life as
she surrenders to Him.

No, an unexpected pregnancy is not the end of life,
but rather can be the beginning of two beautiful lives
if God's plan for them is given opportunity to unfold.

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PRAYER
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Heavenly Father, you give us a new song, a new
purpose, a new direction, a new perspective.

You remind us that the thief comes to steal, kill, and
destroy, but Christ came that we might have life, and
have it more abundantly.

Give us boldness to share this Good News with those at
the crossroads. May they choose life for their
children and enjoy newness of life in You. Because of
Christ we pray, Amen.

www.40daysforlife.com