Unspeakable Love

“Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

I am constantly amazed by what God does for me. Not that I doubt what He can do, it’s just that sometimes I forget how much He loves me (above and beyond saving me from my sins – as if that’s not enough!), and He actually loves to do things for me as undeserving as I am.

I love to write, and today’s blog has to do with how the Lord unexpectedly blessed me in regards to writing my latest novel. Having finished the manuscript, it was time to design a cover for the book. A few months ago, I had been sent a picture of a beautiful painting of the crucifixion. It would be perfect for my book cover! After a little bit of research, I located the artist and asked how much it would be to use his work on the cover of my book. The cost was too much for me, so I put Plan B into action. I decided to ask my granddaughter, Ryanna, if she would consider drawing the cover for me. I knew she loved to draw, and I already had several of her illustrations on display in my home.

Happily, she took the challenge and produced exactly what I wanted! It did, however, have many similarities to the original painting, and I was concerned about copyright infringement. After one email to the artist, he gave me permission (at no cost!) to use both his painting and Ryanna’s drawing any way I wanted! I was stunned in disbelief. It was incomprehensible to me that a famous artist would be “moved by the Lord” to meet my need (his words). God blessed me in a way I had never expected! Ephesians 3:20-21 states “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

It was more than I could have ever asked for… in fact, it truly was more than I asked for because I had never taken this matter to the Lord in prayer. I never considered asking him to intervene because I thought that it was too small a thing with which to bother God, but Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…!”  He truly did bless me above all that I thought could be possible for my cover design!

When I shared this with my daughter, she reminded me that God delights in giving His children the desires of their hearts even when they don’t ask Him for it. It’s hard to admit how forgetful I am at times in my relationship with God. I forget He really does cares about the little things. I forget He loves me as a father loves his child (Matthew 7:11) and how important I am to Him. “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)

I had forgotten that God cares about even the smallest things in our lives. I Peter 1:5 states “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” This verse doesn’t tell me to cast only the big things in my life; it says to cast all things upon Him. Shamefully, I asked Him to forgive me for forgetting to pray about this, and I know He forgave me without hesitation. What amazing love He has for me… and you!

Today, I am once again humbled by God’s goodness to me. I continue to be awed by what He’s done for me… how He answered a prayer I never uttered, and how He blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined. I cannot understand the love He has for me, but I am so very glad He loves me as He does!

Oh, how He loves you and me
Oh, how He loves you and me
He gave his life
What more could He give
Oh, how He loves you
Oh, how He loves me
Oh, how He loves you and me

(from “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” by Kurt Kaiser)

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

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God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. – Augustine