This past Wednesday at Awake I was at the prophetic art stall where you pray and ask God for a picture or word for the person you are ministering to and then paint/draw/create it on a piece of paper. It gives them a visual to take away that often speaks deeper than just words.
At one point there was a man who came and sat before us a bit unsure of himself but there none the less. You could tell he had it rough and was at Awake for some free coffee and a welcoming refuge from the streets. We told him to relax and then we asked God for an encouragement to give him. I thought my picture a little odd but I quickly painted it and then explained to him what I felt.
His whole demeanour changed. You could see it in his face. A softening.
I painted a heart, bright and red, shaped with all the words God was saying towards him. Many words of unending love and delight and friendship.
It looked like a cheesy valentine.
But it was a valentine from God Himself and went straight to this mans broken heart and poured in real love. He was full of gratitude and after my friend prayed for him in Afrikaans he sat, relaxed and loved, letting the worship music in the room pour over him.
It was beautiful. Simple. Beautiful. My heart was so full. God loves so well. His heart is full for each of us and He wants to make it known to us everyday. Don’t get caught up on the world’s fake valentines and instead train your ear to the heavens where love Himself shouts His affections for you unendingly. Steadfastly.
Happy Valentines Day.
