Jonathon (name changed), a Daily Encounter readers writes: “In response to views on abortion, I certainly don’t support the irresponsibility and thoughtlessness of the sex that abortionists support. I will only say the only thing worse than having an abortion is having an unwanted child. I know, I am one.”

How extremely sad it is to come into the world as an unwanted child, and if we remain unwanted by our own parents, this can be very emotionally damaging. If truth be told, however, who knows how many of us were unwanted … that is, unwanted (or at least unplanned) by the ones who brought us into the world?

Carol, a dear friend of ours, shared how when she was 14 her mother told her that when she was pregnant with her, her doctor told her that she wasn’t strong enough to bear another child and that she should abort. She did—but it was her fraternal twin—but she held on and survived. Even now, many years later, she is still finding it very difficult to overcome this memory of her lost sibling.

On the other hand, many years ago when my youngest son was only about ten or so, he was very angry at me—about something that I have long since forgotten—and in his frustration blurted out, “Why did you have me anyhow?”

I replied, “Because you were a part of God’s eternal plan.”

And that is true of Jonathon, Carol, you, and me. We were born into this world because we are a part of God’s eternal plan, and God knew us long before we were ever thought of in this world. God wanted us and still wants us. He loves us devotedly and has a purpose for each of us. A vital part of living a meaningful life is finding and fulfilling that purpose. The same is also true of every aborted child in that they, too, were known and loved by God before the foundation of the world.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to know and feel in the very core of my being that I am wanted and loved by you, my Heavenly Father, and help me to live a life according to your purpo­­se for my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Ephesians 1:4 (NKJV).