Cinderella at Last

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be Cinderella. The idea of being swept away by a prince from a life of hardship seemed to be the most beautiful love story of all.

I do realize that I am an adult now and shouldn't dream of such silly things anymore. But is it really just a silly story?

I was born to a life of hardship. No one had to teach me to lie or be selfish. That sin was in my heart from the very beginning. I may not have evil stepsisters or an evil stepmother, but I have had my heart broken on more than one occasion. I have been hurt, betrayed, abandoned, rejected.

I may not have a fairy godmother who can turn field mice into coachmen, a pumpkin into a beautiful coach, or a dress of rags into a glorious gown, but I have something better. I have a Savior who gave His life for me so that my sins could be forgiven, so that my filthy rags could be made clean. He swept me out of a life headed for disaster. And He is in fact a prince, but not just any prince. He is the Prince of Peace, the Son of God. That makes me a princess, a real daughter of a king -- the King of kings.

Rejoice in this passage of Scripture where Jesus is speaking of Himself:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations." Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭1-4‬ (NLT)

He has brought us good news! He comforts us and proclaims our freedom. He replaces our mourning and despair with blessing and praise. We can be filled with the joy that can only be found in Him. Out of the ruins of our old lives, we can become a display for His glory. In Him there is life.

That's the best Cinderella love story I could ever imagine.