by Jeri Johnson
A The Kids & Me Contributor
On Valentine's Day, I went to a local grocery store to pick up a prescription for my sister. The order was not ready; so I sat down to wait and admire the store decorations. There were red, white and silver balloons throughout the store. In addition, one section of the store was stocked with cards and assorted boxes of chocolates. Many men were browsing through the selections. Some had already made their choices and had gone to the register to be checked out.
As I watched those men, I had a feeling of sadness because I did not currently have a man in my life. Almost immediately, I had a spirit of conviction by the Holy Spirit. He reminded me that I did indeed have a Man in my life. His name is Jesus. He further reminded me that His affection was not regulated to a specific day on the calendar, but that His love was displayed every moment of my life. His love, in fact, was eternal. Further, not only would He be a husband to me and the numerous women of faith who were not married, but He would also be a father to our children.
After I got the prescription, I left the store with a feeling of comfort. I thanked God for the message that He had revealed to me. Later I read a passage from the prophet Isaiah. His words gave me further hope.
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
For your Maker is your husband—
the Lord Almighty is his name—
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth.
The Lord will call you back
as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit—
a wife who married young,
only to be rejected,” says your God.
“For a brief moment I abandoned you,
but with deep compassion I will bring you back.
In a surge of anger
I hid my face from you for a moment,
but with everlasting kindness
I will have compassion on you,”
says the Lord your Redeemer.
~Isaiah 54:4-8
