How Our Lives Are Like a Fairy Tale
I've been knee-deep in fairy tales lately, preparing for our ladies' luncheon and retreat. You know how it goes. Once something gets in your head, it seems to pop up everywhere. Even my morning Bible reading took on a magical quality when I stumbled across Psalm 90:9, which speaks of spending our years "as a tale that is told."
Sitting there in my cozy office, watching the Welsh mist roll across the hills outside my window, I found myself thinking about the many ways our lives are both similar to and different from these beloved fairy tales. In today's devotion, we'll explore some of the similarities, and in the next devotion, we'll look at the differences.
We Have a Beginning
Every good fairy tale begins with "Once upon a time," right? Well, our stories have a beginning too. Long before we drew our first breath, God had already written the opening chapter. As Psalm 139:16 tells us, "Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." I find it fascinating to think that while my parents were anticipating my arrival, God had already penned every detail of who I would become. He knew I'd have red hair and hazel eyes. He knew I'd end up serving Him in the beautiful country of Wales. He even knew about my tendency to curl up with a good book on rainy afternoons (which happen often in Wales). Nothing about our beginnings is accidental or haphazard. Every detail was lovingly crafted by our divine Author.
We Face Challenges and Villains
Now, let's talk about villains, shall we? Just as every fairy tale has its wicked witch or fire-breathing dragon, we face our own battles. Sometimes it's the dragon of depression (which I know all too well), sometimes it's the witch of worry, and other times it comes from the place we least expected. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world." These aren't just poetic words. They're a sobering reminder that our greatest challenges often aren't the ones we can see in the mirror.
We Have a Guide
But, don't despair. It gets better. Remember those fairy godmothers and wise old wizards who show up just when the hero needs guidance? We have something far better. We have the Holy Spirit Himself as our guide. Jesus promised in John 14:26, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things." Unlike those fictional characters who pop in and out of stories with their limited magic and wisdom, the Holy Spirit is with us always, every step of the way. He doesn't just show up for the big moments. He's there for the daily battles too, whispering guidance, providing comfort, and giving us the strength we need to face whatever dragons may come our way.
We Are Meant for More Than This World
Perhaps my favorite parallel is how fairy tale characters often feel out of place in their current circumstances. Cinderella in her rags. Snow White in exile. They knew they were meant for more. Sound familiar? As believers, we're just passing through this world, much like those heroes of Hebrews 11:13: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
The beauty of our story, though, is that it's not fiction. Our "happily ever after" isn't just a dream. It's a promise! While fairy tales end with a castle and a crown, our story ends (or rather, begins) with something far greater: an eternal kingdom and a crown of righteousness that will never fade away.
So, the next time someone tells you to get your head out of the clouds or stop believing in fairy tales, just smile. Because you know that the greatest story ever told isn't found in a storybook. It's being written right now in your life by the Author and Finisher of our faith.