A Royal Encounter

Most of us know the story of Cinderella. She was born of high estate, was dearly loved by her father, and had everything that made her happy and secure. Then life happened—loss, betrayal, cruelty, and abuse. In her heart she knew there was something better. Sparked by hope—an invitation to a royal ball—she dreamed of a life with a prince who would love her and take care of her. Before she could get to the ball, life happened again, when her cruel stepmother forbade her to go. Cinderella ended up disappointed, lonely, and sad in a dark garden, feeling that things would never change. Then, intervention by her fairy godmother enabled her to meet the prince, which changed her life completely.

Can you relate to parts of Cinderella’s story? Are certain things not quite as they should be? Has life happened, leaving you disappointed, sad, and in a dark place?

I have good news—better than the fairy godmother brought to Cinderella! This news will change your life and bring beauty to your “ashes.” Jesus Christ (also known as the Prince of Peace) came to “…bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV).

It is God’s desire for you to know the Prince of Peace and “…that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV). God has an unending storehouse of great and precious promises, and His divine power that gives us everything we need for life.

If you long to know Jesus—the Prince of Peace, the Bible says: “…Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9 NIV). You can ask and knock by praying this prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. Your Word says: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21 NIV) and “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NIV). You said my salvation would be the result of Your Spirit giving me new birth by coming to live in me (see John 3:5-6, 15-16; Romans 8:9-11) and that if I would ask, You would fill me with Your Spirit (see Luke 11:13). I take you at Your Word. I confess that Jesus is Lord, and I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. Thank You for coming into my heart, for giving me Your Holy Spirit as You promised, and for being Lord over my life. Amen.

This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey. In order to grow and strengthen your relationship with God, talk to Him every day. He loves to communicate with you! Reading your Bible and connecting with a good church will help you grow and be strong in your newfound faith. Share your story of meeting the Prince of Peace and of how this royal encounter has forever changed your life!