Love Came Down – My Valentine’s Day Rescue Story

 Mixed Media on Canvas using Acrylics, Paper, Ink, and Metal

It was two weeks before Valentines Day. Other than an occasional crow from a rooster and some chirping birds that morning, the room was quiet when I sat down to read my Bible. Chap had already left for work and I was alone. Well, I thought I was.

As I opened to my daily reading, I’d love to say I was full of joy ready to seize the day with exuberance – but that would be a big fat lie.  The truth is, I was completely discouraged.  I’d been through a long season of disappointments, including some stressful circumstances, and I was desperate to grab hold of just a crumb of refreshment. I wondered when God might fly down to rescue me and lift me out of my pit.

Although I’m fully aware and thankful for my many blessings, the negative feelings consuming me were not lining up with what I know is true – I know God is always good and I know He always comes through for me. So all I can do in these long seasons is pray, and wait patiently for Him to act.

So there I am, about to read my first sentence, when the TV turns on and startles me. A Scripture from Romans 7 appears on the screen. I look across the room and see the clicker sitting on the coffee table. As far as I can see, I’m still alone.

Then, Dr. Sumrall (i think that’s his name) comes on the screen. He’s in the middle of teaching a sermon. I’m perplexed but invigorated. What just happened? I only pick up pieces of what he’s saying because I keep looking over at the lonely clicker. I squint my eyes thinking it will help me see the invisible angel I assume is standing there.

Dr. Sumrall beckons my attention. “I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind . . . Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The words strike me and I suddenly don’t feel so alone. I close my Bible and listen to the TV.

“For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are God’s children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

The words are familiar but I’m hearing them differently than ever before.

“. . . we must wait patiently and confidently.”

The sermon ends and it goes to commercial. Tears stream down my cheeks as I turn it off. I’m feeling comforted now, because i’m reminded that God always sees me. He knows me. And He loves me. I’m certain He wants to speak to my currant situation through Romans 7 and 8, so I grab my Bible and quickly go there.

Since he did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? . . . for Christ died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us . . . Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . . No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us . . .

I take a deep breath. I’m amazed by God’s faithfulness. I close my Bible and look up. On the wall in front of me is a painting I created two years ago, Love Came Down. I reread the lyrics printed on the canvas and smile. Then I thank God for rescuing me once again.

Love Came Down – Kari Jobe – Listen Here