God Pursues Me
“Please, pardon the interruption. Before we continue in this chapel service, we have a delivery for Tammy Garcia.”
I stared at my professor. Did he just say my name (my maiden name)? Or did I doze off for a minute and dream this? My friend nudged me to my feet, and I shuffled forward to receive 18 roses in a glass vase, all wrapped up in a huge, red ribbon. The rest of the service was muted as I opened the card. A sweet but silly poem began with the words, “To My Valentine . . .” (That poem now lives in a place of prominence in our wedding album.)
Let me let you in on a secret: I am an introvert. Standing up to receive a monstrosity of flowers in a room with 700 or more of my peers nearly caused me to break out in hives. (I am now what my friend Bonnie calls a “functioning introvert,” having developed the skill of interacting with others but never with the comfort level of an extrovert.) As I was leaving chapel that day, so many students, most of whom I had only the slightest acquaintance with, commented on the flowers. It was enough to make me want to hide in a bathroom stall for the foreseeable future.
But I also felt loved. I knew Scott’s heart behind the gift. He far exceeded any expectations I had for our first Valentine’s Day as a couple since he was living and working in Florida and I was still in college in Virginia. The expense was extravagant. The effort and attention to detail was so sweet. Plus, he filled up my love tank with the poem. At that early stage of our relationship, he already knew my love of words. He pursued me with flowers, loving words, and recognition. To see my value through his eyes, to know I was worth pursuing, was the greatest gift.
God pursues us not with a dozen roses but with the gift of Himself.
Whether any man or woman pursues you this Valentine’s Day with gifts of flowers, chocolate, a fancy dinner, or diamonds, there is One Who pursues you every day of your life. God pursues us not with a dozen roses but with the gift of Himself. Here are your dozen roses, just a hint of how good God is.
God is the Almighty One. He has all power to accomplish His will.
God is the One Who Sees. He sees me right in the middle of my circumstances.
God is the All-Sufficient One. He is all that I have needed, all that I need now, and all that I will need tomorrow.
God is Provider. He provides for my needs . . . even when I don’t yet know what I need.
God is Healer. He heals me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
God is Peace. He reconciles me to Himself through the sacrifice of His only Son.
God is Shepherd. He leads me in the way I should go.
God is Protector. He protects me as His child.
God is Everlasting. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I can count on Him.
God is Here. He is not distant but near to me.
God is Creator. He formed me in the womb and molds me to be more like Him as I surrender myself to Him daily.
God is Lord. He is ruler of all but still chooses to be in relationship with me.
Happy Valentine’s Day! God is all these things and so much more . . . yet He loves us, and He pursues us. May your heart be filled with His love always.
