Called, Loved, and Kept by Christ

By Traci Bolden 

     Center Director, Stuart

We just recently wrapped up another season of training potential volunteers.  This is always an exciting time for Care Net because we have the benefit of building new friendships with those who love this ministry as much as we do.  I think of my Care Net family and how important they are to me and how beyond blessed I am to have them in my life - each one with their own set of strengths that make this ministry flourish.  I also think of our volunteers that faithfully serve in the name of Christ each week without reservation.  They graciously sacrifice their personal time and talents for God’s greater purpose.  Oh, how we love each and every one of them. This ministry exists because of their selfless acts of service to our clients.  Many of our clients do not understand the joy we have or where it comes from.  What a privilege it is to be able to show them, to invite them into the family of God where joy is immeasurable.

One of my favorite parts about training is on the very last day when our Executive Director, Sue, shares with us the meditation for Pro Life Workers that reminds us that we are Called, Loved, and Kept by Christ.  It brings tears to my eyes every time and reminds me that we do have to rearm ourselves EVERY DAY with this profound truth that provides a shield against Satan’s lies.

When God calls you to do His work, He equips you.  There are days when we are weary and discouraged.  Weariness can be tough and exhausting, the kind of weariness that comes just before you give up.  If you have worked in a pregnancy resource center for any length of time, you know exactly what I am talking about.  It is easy to fall into an attitude of discouragement when we are tempted to believe the lies of the enemy, when we are challenged, shaken, and exhausted by the weight of the world, but then - in walks a client who says she is contemplating an abortion and one of our volunteers is there in God’s perfect timing to greet her with open arms, love on her, and show her that there is another way.  God tells us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

It is tempting to become disheartened when we are bombarded with negative news media regarding abortion and the latest outrage of laws being passed in several states.  And, yes, it is difficult to achieve fair media coverage of the moral concerns about abortion.  Satan hates what we do.  He is relentless and merciless in his attacks, especially when we are taking territory from the enemy.  God reminds us in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world, you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

God did not say it would be easy, but he did promise that he would walk with us.  And He did not intend for us to fight this battle alone.   We often need reminding that we are joining God where He is already at work.  The support our Care Net family offers during these seasons is invaluable.  We walk alongside one another, loving one another, lifting each other up in prayer, supporting one another by offering hope, strength, and truth that can only come from Christ.

One of my favorite Bible Teachers described Christ it this way, “Sometimes Christ walks through our crisis dressed in the best disguise of all: ordinary events.  He tucks a miracle in the fold of His robe and sweeps in and out unnoticed.  Only in retrospect do we realize that a divine visitation graced our cold, crude winter and the resurrection of spring is on its way.”

If God is calling you to serve, obedience is necessary.  Are you willing to surrender your good for God’s greater purpose?