Anna's Secret

case to God in logical one, two, threes.
“God, I’m an unmarried widow who has just started a new job and school. I don’t have the means to support myself, much less a child.
“And … at my age, this pregnancy will be high-risk. Remember how I barely survived two very difficult births at a much younger age.” She shuddered at the thought. Her fingers turned instantly cold. Some memories were impossible to forget.
“And it’s not fair to Matt, God. He shouldn’t be forced into responsibility when I threw myself at him. He’s such a talented physician and has given his life to helping others, I can’t take this freedom from him.”
The same question surfaced each time she went through her list of excuses. What are you really afraid of?
All she had to do was ask herself what others would think, and her thoughts would circle around to one ready solution—abortion. The pro-choice slogans gave comfort. The more she entertained them, the bolder they grew. She was a woman of the 21st century in control of her body. The choice to have an abortion was her right. It’s not a baby, just an inconvenient circumstance. She fell into a fitful sleep with the conclusion that abortion was a rational and sound decision, one she could no longer delay.
Awakened with a start, Anna bolted into a seated position. “What?” Had someone called her name? She heard the message. Crisp. Clear. Concise.
Will you obey Me?
Anna had been a Christian too long not to recognize the voice of the Spirit, but God was not the only one present.
A voice of darkness whispered into her thoughts. “There’s a simple way to hide your secret.”
You’re carrying a child, a baby, a living soul tucked safely in your womb, right where the child needs to stay until the time of birth. The Spirit of God thrummed a clear, powerful message.
“Nobody needs to know your shame. There’s a way to cover this up.”
You must tell someone of your pregnancy immediately. Make yourself accountable now.
“You may die, remember what it was like when you had the boys?”
I was your protector then, and I’ll be your protector now.
“How well did that God of yours protect Steven?” Anna could feel the hatred hiss from that planted thought. A shiver ran up her spine.
Steven is with Me, he is pain free and full of joy. And I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.
“One small procedure, and your troubles will be over.”
Trust me, Anna, and choose life.
Anna threw off her covers and stumbled to the bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face, as if to wash away the frightening thoughts. Anna knew she had to call Pastor Harry immediately. She didn’t care that it was 2:00 a.m. She needed to set up an appointment now. If she waited until morning, she did not trust she would do the right thing.
Her rubber legs could no longer hold her. She nearly dropped the phone as she sank to the edge of bed. With a tremble in her hand she punched the number listed in her contacts.
“Hello,” a groggy voice answered.
“Pastor Harry, it’s Anna.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes! I mean no! I guess, what I mean is that I have to talk to you tomorrow … first thing.” Desperation oozed from her voice, but she didn’t care.
“Of course. Can you come to my office in the morning around seven? My day is booked solid, but I’ll come in early if you can make it.”
“Yes, I can make seven … and thank you.” Her voice wavered, and her hands shook as she placed her cell on the nightstand.
Anna sank into her bed. Every muscle and tendon clear to the bone relaxed. The heavy weight dissipated, and she knew her decision to obey had dispelled the darkness. A warmth, as if God himself enveloped her in a hug, flooded in as she basked in the joy of peace. She fell into a deep, restful sleep.

Though fear nibbled at the edge of her mind, Anna felt a peaceful freedom the next morning. Embarrassment was sure to come. The right decision had been made, but the truth came with the painful realization her Christian witness would be severely tarnished and others would be negatively impacted. God, however, didn’t seem to care about that as much as he cared about the baby in her womb. Before she left, she took a few moments to open her Bible and read. The pages fell open to John 8:32 and the words jumped off the page. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.
God lovingly echoed his message from the night before and gave her the strength to press forward.
No wonder, I’ve been so tied in knots. I’ve been running from the truth right into the arms of darkness, and my secret has had the power to keep me there.
Anna stuffed a few soda crackers down to fight off the nausea and headed out the door with purpose.
She stopped for a moment to breathe in the crisp morning air. The trees were verdant with newborn leaves that spread open to the warmth of the sun. A gentle breeze kissed her face, as a sparrow darted directly in front of her and lifted its wings into the heavens. This small message from nature touched her soul. She was reminded of Scripture that said if God cared for the tiniest sparrow, she could rest in the fact he cared about every detail of her life. The gathering light of another day gave evidence of the sun just waiting to show off. For the first time in months, she felt a stir of hope. Her darkest secret was about to find its way into the light of day, and yet an unfathomable peace filled her soul.
She found herself humming to a tune on the radio as she drove to the church and realized