In January 1973, Roe vs. Wade was passed in America, making abortion legal. In the 47 years since its passing, more than 61 million abortions have been performed. 24% of all American women will have an abortion by age 45. Abortion would be the number one cause of death if counted. It kills more per year than heart disease or cancer. To get some perspective of this large number, America kills more of its unborn in 1 year than the total number of combat deaths in all our wars from 1775-2019. Observing a 15 second moment of silence for each child killed by abortion would last 28 years.
If all those children had been born, plus all their now grandchildren, our world would be completely different. Consider all the missing kids from our schools, our churches, in the workplace, our neighborhoods, even in our families. Abortion dramatically impacts everyone.
God’s words to Jeremiah apply to every human being, born or unborn: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Forgiveness is Available to Everyone
But for those families who have had abortions performed, there is so much hurt. They are dealing with shame, guilt, and loss. Yet there is hope! God loves you no matter what was done. Every single one of us sins. I will not pretend to know what it is like to have had an abortion. I have not had one; however, I have sinned a million other ways. All sin separates us from God.
“King David in the Old Testament was a great and good man in many ways—but later in life he strayed from God. He committed adultery with another man’s wife, and then to cover up his sin he arranged for that man to be killed in battle (see 2 Samuel 11). Adultery … lying … murder … How could God ever forgive him?” (Billy Graham)
“And yet God did forgive him! David honestly faced his sin, repented of it and sought God’s forgiveness: “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:4). And when he did this, God forgave him and cleansed him of his sin. David could then truly say, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalm 32:1).” (Billy Graham)
God Can Use Your Pain for Good
Sandy Day had an abortion when she was 19 years old. She thought it was her only option and struggled with her decision for many years.
“Even though I was a very young Christian, I knew that day I had disobeyed God,” Sandy said. “Even though I believed all the lies, that this is tissue, I’m too young, I’d embarrass my parents, all of those lies. After it was over with, I thought, ‘I have made a terrible, sinful decision, and it’s going to last my whole life.’” (Sandy Day)
She planned to never tell anyone, but once she knew Jesus and her walk with Him continued to grow, she felt convicted to share her story. She eventually began Caleb’s Ministries and Abbey’s Place and has helped many women to know God and receive His beautiful forgiveness.
You Can Heal
God uses our pain, affliction, and hardships to draw us closer to Him. And from that relationship, God can perform miracles in us that we cannot do ourselves – like healing. Call to God! He hears you and loves you! Psalm 18:6 declares, “In my distress, I called to the Lord, and cried out to my God. He heard my voice from His temple.” God is present in your suffering! (Psalm 139)
Sandy Day advises patience. “[Your heart] will mend. But this is the key: It won’t mend in the way that we think it will because God is doing His work in your heart and life.” (Sandy Day)
You Can Live Abundantly
Sandy encourages women to live as a product of the finished work of the cross rather than a product of their past. “It’s just so freeing to understand not only what Christ did, but that we can truly live and walk in it.” Sandy now has a grown son, a wonderful husband, and a thriving ministry.
When your thoughts start to get you down, lift your eyes up! Focus on God and He will help you! Sandy says, “[Ask God], ‘How are You using this in my life, and how can I use it to help somebody else?’”
Steps to Peace with God
Because God loves YOU, He has made a way for you to be restored to Him. Place your trust in Jesus and ask for His forgiveness. He made you, loves you, and wants to be part of your life. But He will not force Himself on you – you have to make the decision to invite Him in.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
“We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart and your honesty.” (Billy Graham)
Jesus died for OUR sins. He is worthy of everything we have…including our lives! Surrender yourself to Jesus today!
Resources
Here are some helpful tools to help you work through your past abortion(s):
1. Focus on the Family resources – videos, articles, and more
2. An interview with a Post-Abortive Father
3. An interview with a Post-Abortive Mother
6. Living in His Forgiveness by Sandy Day
7. Billy Graham articles #1, #2
Conclusion
Abortion is not part of God’s plan for His creation, but because of His great love for us, He is willing to extend grace and peace! When we seek God and humble ourselves before Him, He welcomes us and forgives all our trespasses. If you haven’t done so already, invite God into your life and allow Him to transform you into the person He created you to be. Loved and forgiven. Healing and the abundant life only comes from God the Father…seek Him in prayer today!
Edited by Allie Anson
Life with Jesus 