Once upon a time.
We all love those words. Those words promise a love story, and we all long for romance.
Truth be told, I yearn to live a Cinderella story. I secretly hope someone will come and whisk me away from the ashes — from my humdrum life. I picture my dowdy clothes being changed into a beautiful gown. I imagine the prince choosing — me.
But that kind of thing only happens in fairy tales. Right?
Actually, God has been reminding me that I am smack dab in the middle of a breathtaking, astonishing love story right now. His Word is the crazy tale of a Prince who proved His love by giving up His cushy life in heaven, living on this dusty earth, and dying so that I could be with Him forever. Jesus chose me to be His bride. His grace transforms me, giving me a perfect gown of righteousness — a gown better than anything a fairy godmother could dream up.
The problem is that I don’t always live like the princess I am. Even though I have felt the Prince’s love and danced in His grace, I sometimes doubt His affection. I look at my soot-stained life and ask myself, “How could He love plain old me?”
Maybe you can relate. Looking at our ordinary lives filled with activities as thrilling as changing diapers and washing dishes and buying groceries, it’s easy to forget. In God’s Kingdom we are all princesses. Yet, when we stare at our mishaps and our mistakes, we doubt the Prince could find us attractive.
That’s when we might subconsciously try to earn His love. We attempt to do big things that will make us worthy of the Prince. We try to make our own beautiful gowns out of success or good deeds.
Somehow, that never works. Thankfully, it isn’t even necessary.
In the Great Love Story, our Prince tells us over and over of His love for us. Because sometimes we doubt. Because sometimes we forget. Because sometimes we listen to Satan’s lies that we are unlovable.
Instead, let’s listen to His words of love:
- I have loved you with an everlasting love. {Jeremiah 31:3}
- Grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. {Ephesians 3:18b}
- How beautiful and pleasant you are, O loved one, with all your delights! {Song of Songs 7:6}
The Prince doesn’t love me because of my success, my accomplishments, or even my ability to serve Him.
He loves me because I am His. And He wants me to see myself as His beloved, the much-loved princess, walking hand in hand with Him.
So live out your story with the Prince. Even though it may be hard to recognize your own royalty when you are washing dishes crusted with grease, remember you are a princess in God’s Kingdom. Don’t doubt it for a minute.
Live your love story.
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Related:
Beloved, God Choose You ~ Wooden Plaque
Leave a Comment
Laurna Tallman says
Blessing you for your spirit of praise at a time of deep need. Such faith lifts my burdens.
Ifeoma Samuel says
Hi Sharla, The story of Jesus love for us is the best there is. I really like the scripture Jeremiah 31:3.
Thank you for your post.
http://purposefulandmeaningful.blogspot.com/
Anna says
Such a beautiful truth. Thank you for this. I was in tears this morning thinking of this great love of His for us, after reading through the end of Luke’s Gospel. I so needed this reminder.
Kathy Strnad Frezza says
Thank you, Sharla, for this beautiful word!
Molly says
Thank you…needed this encouragement today. Struggling with really desiring a man right now…and really just needing to treasure Jesus the most and best…always. No matter what happens…and to rest in His love…perfect love that casts out fear…and to trust Him. Thanks again 🙂
Aurora says
Gods Princess has been an identity I have been embracing for some time….it inspires me to live in grace and beauty, to speak and move with gentleness, to feel the true love of Jesus and know I can rely on him for everything important. God is changing my heart, growing me from the inside out, and my life has become a beautiful story that enchants my soul with an everlasting longing for more of Him. I am the luckiest girl in the world!
Beth Williams says
Sharla,
I haven’t always thought of myself as a princess. Lately I haven’t really liked myself or my attitude. So much stress last year with aging dad and work changing drastically. Now things are slowly changing and I am coming out of my stress filled fog into a new year and new adventure with God.
I’m relying more on Him and His love to get me through each day. I know He has great plans for me and I can’t wait to see what they are!!
When you stated “He left his cushy life in Heaven” I couldn’t help but think of the song “Leaving Heaven” by Matthew West.
Well, it’s been real nice living way up here
In paradise, over the atmosphere
But I can’t stay long, gotta make my way
I’m leaving Heaven today
You see the world is dark and it needs a light
I’m gonna hang a star in the eastern sky
So everybody’s gonna know where I touch down
I’m leaving Heaven right now
I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
You should know
That you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
Ain’t gonna be no kingdom, ain’t gonna be no crown
Just a little old manger, in a little old town
But it’ll do just fine for this humble King
I’m leaving Heaven let all the angels sing
I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
You should know
You’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
And when my time comes to an end
I’ll lay down my life like a truest friend
And when I get back home, I’m gonna make some room
So, don’t you worry, ‘cause I’m coming back for you
And you will say goodbye to that broken Earth
You’re gonna walk on streets of gold
And if you ever wonder what my love is worth
Well you should know That I’m the reason you’ll be seeing Heaven
Oh, you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
I’m leaving Heaven.