Dec 08 2008
Does Rape = Abortion?
Your good friend, Susan, hasn’t been around much the last few weeks. Although she tries to smile and meet your eye, she declines all invitations and, if you were a professional, you might even say she was slipping into depression. What has you puzzled is, why?
She’s bright. Attractive. A great student. Good family. Strong faith. She has everything going for her. Thinking about it only increased your confusion, until today. Today you found out what was eating at her - and now you kinda wish you didn’t know.
Susan finally opened up. Through her tears and choked back sobs, Susan whispered her plight. She was raped. She doesn’t want to talk about it, but she has to. She doesn’t know where to turn. For, not only was she raped, she’s pregnant. Her shame, her guilt, her confusion, and her fear pour from trembling lips.
”What do I do?” she quavers.
Your first thought is abortion. It is quick, legal, easy, and no one has to know. Besides, since she was raped, it is the most logical choice. Who could love a child conceived in such a manner? Furthermore, if she bears the child, it will ruin her life, her plans, and her reputation.
Not only is this a very real situation, it is also a very difficult one to face. Everything you’ve concluded is true - were it not for God. However, as a Christian, you know what you are thinking, what she may even be contemplating herself, is murder. It is wrong. It is sin.
We do not know the future. From our viewpoint, this will ruin Susan’s life. However, God sees the whole picture, beginning to end. He knows the good which He will bring from this. He knows the plans He has for Susan and her yet unborn child.
Encourage Susan to apply this verse to her life, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer 29:11)
Encourage her to apply David’s words to her unborn child, “. . .You are He who took me out of the womb; You made me trust while on my mother’s breasts. . .from my mother’s womb You have been my God.” (Ps 22:9-10)
This is NOT an easy situation. However, life does not always lead us down rosy paths. Susan needs friends. She needs her family. She needs the support of Christians who will walk with her through this trial and give her hope for a future.
Dear Father, remind us in the darkest days of Your promises. Comfort us with Your presence, for You promised You will never leave us or forsake us. When we cannot see the way, when we cannot understand the moving of Your hand, give us the grace, dear Lord, to trust Your heart.
