For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride  to one husband—Christ. – 2 Corinthians 11:2

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I love the imagery of the Church being the bride of Christ. In Revelation, chapter 21, we are shown that we will be presented as the Bride of our Lord. Imagine the ceremony… bigger and more beautiful than anything even Hollywood could create… that will join us to our King for eternity! Imagine the white splendor as we are presented to Him, a Bride unsoiled and unblemished. Wait, did you just hear that sound? Sounded like the needle being bumped off the record, didn’t it? Me, unblemished???

So now I ask myself, does my invisible illness cause me to appear blemished before Christ? Am I still the one He would choose for His Bride? The scripture assures me that God looks into my heart, not at my physical presence. (1 Samuel 16:7) Neither does His choice hinge on my abilities, but rather on my desires! (Hebrews 4:12)

Therefore, I can rest easy knowing that as long as He is King of my life and Husband of my heart, I will be His Bride. I will one day don the flowing white gown, and it will fit my form perfectly, not hang awkwardly or cause me any pain. There will be no stains from my clumsiness. I will walk with ease, perhaps even glide up the aisle to be presented to my Groom… no paralysis, no weakness, no stumbling. And when He lifts my veil, I will be beautiful to Him, completely worth the wait, and precious in His sight. May you feel just as lovely today as you are seen by our Lord.

Lord, what a miracle that you would choose to be joined with our imperfect selves for all of eternity! Thank you for the assurance that we are your perfect Bride, no matter our earthly condition. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

May God Bless You,

Shelly