September 21, 2001

Everett Koop, former surgeon general of the United States and a vocal opponent of abortion on demand, tells of a family whose severely disabled child he delivered and helped to keep alive after birth. He wrote, "I asked the child's mother, 'What's the worst thing that ever happened to you?'" "She said, 'Having our son born with defects that required thirty_seven operations to correct.' "Then I asked, 'What's the best thing that ever happened to you?' "She said, 'Having our son born with defects that required thirty_seven operations to correct.'" Koop went on to explain: "I know what she means. It's been terribly hard on them, but, through the experience, they've grown enormously as a family. They've had a remarkable spiritual reawakening. One of their sons is now in law school planning to defend the rights of the disabled. Their son has now had fifty_five operations, with one more scheduled. Despite the hardships, it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience for them."

It is difficult for most of us to understand how something so seemingly devastating could be such a positive influence in one’s life. For those whose focus is centered upon worldly things, that situation would be a hindrance to the pursuit of their pleasure. Movies, sporting events, dining out would be almost entirely wiped out of that mother’s life. Every simple chore becomes a major undertaking. It is a sacrifice that many are not willing to make, not only for a disabled child, but even for a healthy baby. Thus, a child is killed in its mother’s womb.

God reveals to Christians, however, there can be a positive result to trials. The inspired writer James penned, "The testing of our faith produces patience" (James 1:3). The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, "[W]e also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3_4). James also wrote, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12). Trials teach us patience. Trials develop character. Christians who persevere over the trials of life have a crown waiting for them. Trials can have a positive result.

Robert Browning Hamilton wrote, "I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chattered all the way, but left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow, and ne’er a word said she, but, oh, the things I learned from her when Sorrow walked with me."