This Valentine’s Day I thought it would be nice to recall our magnificent love story with the lover of our souls. I think fairy tales thrill us because they echo the story of redemption and point to our glorious future with our heavenly bridegroom.
Remember Cinderella? After her father died, her cruel stepmother and stepsisters used her as a slave. With no hope of escape, her fairy godmother appeared and granted Cinderella one magical evening with the handsome prince of the land. Lost in the joy of his company, she forgot the time until she heard the clock begin to chime. Cinderella raced away before the twelfth chime when her finery would return to rags.
Must she return to bullying and slavery after tasting love? What could she do? She couldn’t rescue herself.
The prince, despite his grand life, also felt the magic of being together. Carrying the glass slipper Cinderella had dropped, he searched for her. After much searching he found her. They married and lived happily ever after.
Do You Remember Your Great Love Story?
Like Cinderella, we were:
- Prisoners of sin (Galatians 3:22)
- Unclean and dressed in rags (Isaiah 64:6).
- An outsider living without hope (Ephesians 2:12)
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world” (Ephesians 2:2 NLT).
The King of Glory looked on us with compassion. He left the comfort of heaven, clothed himself as a pauper, and endured abuse, scorn, and death to rescue us (Philippians 2:6-8). He temporally laid aside the glory of His deity to go toe to toe against the prince of darkness to save us from Satan’s grasp (1 John 3:8).
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV).
Jesus allowed those He came to rescue to pierce His hands and feet with long nails. He endured the fury of hell to take the punishment we deserved. Jesus conquered death to free us from its tyranny. He made us His bride and sealed us in His Holy Spirit (Hebrews 12:2).
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13 NLT).
Jesus replaced our filthy self-righteousness rags with the radiant robes of Christ’s righteousness. God the Father adopted us into His own family. We became the bride of the King of all kings (Ephesians 1:3-8; Colossians 1:9-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17; I John 3:1-3).
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
or a bride with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10 NLT).
We are now forever united with our bridegroom (Ephesians 5:30-32). He lives in our hearts, and we live in Him (Colossians 3:1-4).
Living in God’s Love
On days we feel like Cinderella before she met her prince, we must remember the great length Jesus went to demonstrate His love for us. Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). Everyone who places their faith in Christ belongs to Him. (Cinderella had to marry the prince. We too must say yes to our king.)
One day our Prince with come for us. Until then, may we live like the loved and free people we are in Christ (Ephesians 3:14-19). You are no longer a slave to sin, but the royal bride of Christ. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to remember your great love story.
God rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son (Col. 1:13). #LoveStory #ValentinesDay Share on XWhen did you first fall in love with Jesus? Comment here.
Resource
My friend and author Linda Evans Shepherd’s new book Make Time for Joy releases February 14, 2023. Linda’s books have inspired and encouraged me. I got a sneak peek, and this one is a great resource. The book can be read as a daily devotional or as a topical resource. I immediately turned to the chapter on pain since I was going through some ongoing pain after dental surgery. The prayer and Scriptures Linda offered were just what I needed.
Blessings,
Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash
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I grew up going to the Greek church and believed in God but didn’t really know Him until I was pregnant with my oldest son. I was 30 and that was when I met a friend who encouraged me to read the bible and get to know Jesus. I felt compelled to know Who I was praying to about my baby and it was the best thing ever! I fell in love and have never looked back!!
I love that Ann! A child shall lead them. I think taking on the role as parent has humbled many of us to seek God.
I remember my love story and am awed by my Savior’s love and grace in rescuing me from the pit of sin. Thank you for this beautiful story to remind me of the gift of love.
Katherine, what a Savior!
I love this, Debbie—my great love story. I’ve often thought of the Bible as a love story, but I’ve never noticed the similarities to something like Cinderella. Wonderful parallel.
Thanks, Ashley. I enjoyed the parallel. 🙂
So many fairy tales and classic stories reflect that great story, of the One who sought us and gave Himself for us. I’m so thankful I met Christ as a teenager, and He drew me to Himself.
Barbara, I’m glad I met Him when I was young too!
Thanks Debbie for reminding us of the greatest love story.
Thank you, Sylvia!
Many of the old fairy tales stir a thirst in us for our true Love. No wonder the enemy tries to twist and pervert them in today’s media. Thank you, Debbie, for this apt comparison that reminds us of God’s amazing love.
I love the old fairy tales. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that stories that relate truth are attacked. But it saddens me. Thanks, Annie.
So much to enjoy and appreciate about this post Ms. Debbie. I’ve often thought, “How I can’t truly love someone until I can show them a love that aligns with God’s love for me.” Boy, do I have a lot of work left to do.
Yes, we have to taste God’s love before we can share it. Thanks , J.D.
I loved the similarities your drew from the beloved story of Cinderella. Having always loved the old fairy tales, I wish the retelling would not rewrite them. I grew up in the church but I well remember when as an adult, my heart became intentional in my relationship with Him. I am forever grateful and humbled He pursued me and has drawn me to Himself. Grateful you shared it this week!
Joanne, I grew up in the church too and remember different times I caught glimpses of my Prince. But when I finally met Him, oh what a difference that made.
It’s so important to remember where the love story began. Thank you for the reminder. One of my all time favorite Bible Studies was called Falling in Love with Jesus.
Sounds like a wonderful study, Jennifer.