Happily Ever After

I originally sat down to write about my love story, my “Happily Ever After”, but then–as happened many times before–I was convicted. Something that I never actually choose to feel: conviction. Isn’t it funny how the things we need in life (such as conviction) are hardly ever the things we actually want? But thank the Lord that He is just and gives us the things we sometimes don’t particularly desire.

As I was thinking about my husband (how we met, how our courtship began, his proposal, our engagement, and the big day), the realization hit me that as wonderful as my husband is, this was not his doing. He did not bring us together, but my first Love did. Before you go thinking that this was my crush back in junior high, let me clarify. By first Love, I mean the creator of love, and every other emotion, the creator of you and me, the seasons, the snow outside, the whole entire universe.

I am just like any other girl; I love happy endings. Hand me a chick flick anytime! The realization hit me that this is not what true love is about. It is not when the boy meets girl, and their eyes lock and it is love at first sight. It is not the happily-ever-after, and it is not roses and chocolate on Valentine’s Day.

Love is a bloodstained cross. Love came in the form of a little baby in a manger that grew up to take on everyone’s sin at Calvary. Christ’s pierced hands and side are proof of this. He took on my every lustful thought, my snide remarks, my self-centeredness, my depression, and the list goes on for eternity more (and that is just for little ole me!). It is hard to comprehend that the creator of the universe gave the ultimate sacrifice and that He would give His love so freely to us. The crown of thorns that dug into His flesh does not create the type of love story that we like to think of today.

I am not saying that when God brings you to the right person at the right time that it is not love. It is indeed. Just remember that when that happens, the man He brings into your life is as human as you are. We should not make finding the right man our reason in life. Trust me–I am guilty of this myself. I have to stop myself from making an idol of my dear husband. That sounds quite strange, but it is true. It is sin to praise the creation and not the creator.

God will write your love story in His own time and way. Don’t forget that He is the maker of love, and He loves you more than any man ever could. He has the best in mind for you because you are His daughter. I challenge you to put your faith in Him and not the happily-ever-afters as I have done before.