ℱ𝒾𝓇ℯ ℬ𝓇ℯ𝒶𝓉𝒽ℯ𝒹

24

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed; behold all things have become new.
II Corinthians 5:17

I stood in awe as I watched the rays from the setting sun deck the skies beautifully. The dark blue sky was intricately mixed with dashes of fiery red, yellow and orange. The trees that surrounded the lawn of our little hut gently swayed with the wind producing the sound of leaves brushing each other in the wind; a serene sound that seemed like music in my ears.

As I sat and watched the sunset, words of praise were drawn from my lips. The gladness I felt for what God had done in my family was immeasurable, watching them singing worship songs to the Lord seemed to be the sweetest feeling that I had ever felt.

I couldn’t, however, remove from my mind certain things. I couldn’t help but wonder how Melchour was doing. For the few days I had been away, I can’t deny I somehow missed him. He couldn’t possibly have felt the same way though, could he? I bet the reality has already dawned on him, that what he said that night was all a trick of his emotions. I do hope that when I return it will seem as if nothing has ever happened between us.

I knew I loved him, but I couldn’t remove the fear that I had. The fear of enduring the pain of realizing I wasn’t the right woman. I wouldn’t dare. I felt helpless knowing that leaving was the only thing I could do, besides doing so, after all, what could I?

This will be the last time - the last time I will let this happen.

“Johanna?”

Huh?

My eyes widened. Panic surged my heart as I heard a familiar voice from behind me.

No, it couldn't possibly-

My heart raced. Turning around, I felt a mix of confusion and astonishment as soon as I saw the man that stood in front of me. For a moment, words couldn't seem to come out from my mouth.

"How are you?" He asked, standing very still.

“W-what in the world are you doing here?” I stuttered.

“I came to see you.” He replied, his avid eyes anchored on mine. “You heard what I said that night. All of it was true.”

“What do you mean?" I gasped, not sure of what the feelings were that were engaging in a tug of war in my heart.   "Melchour… listen. This is - this insane! How could you possibly!” I faltered. “I’m sorry…I - I can't,”

“I just can’t give up on you…” I returned my gaze to him, stepping back as I saw him approach.

“Anna… there seems to have been one little thing that you weren’t able to surrender to God yet.” He continued.

“What are you saying?” I fixed my gaze on him in anticipation.

“Do you remember what Paul said? That when a person is in Christ, the old man has gone and the new has come?”

“Yes, I Remember.” I wiped the tears from my face and tried my best to compose myself.

“One of the reasons why you avoided me was because of your past. You said I deserved I better woman, and that you have nothing to give…” He began, walking towards me. “…but, I want you to know that; I couldn’t care less about your past. To me, you’re a new person. The most beautiful person I have ever been with." He paused, this time approaching until it was only a breath between us. "You’re more than enough, Anna...”

I lowered my gaze in confusion. Could he actually mean what he's saying right now?

“I don’t care about your old self, Anna… and so should you. Let’s get rid of the self-pity already …” My chest heaved intensely as I felt another set of tears roll down my cheeks.

“I-I…” I couldn't find the right words to say. My mind was in a complete mess trying to comprehend the words he spoke.

“Let’s bring it to the Lord together, shall we?” I drew in a breath as I heard his invitation. I don't really know what to do, or what to believe, but what I do know is that... God knows. As I closed my eyes; I felt his warm hands enclose mine.

“Lord Jesus… I and Anna come to You in humility right now; we ask for Your Spirit to move in the midst of us as we surrender the things that aren’t pleasing in Your sight…"

My heart seemed to break as I heard him pray. Indeed, I may have kept things in my heart that I shouldn't have.

"Lord forgive us, right now we give up all self-pity and we break, In the Name of Jesus, every enduring connection we have in the past…"

I felt my hand fold into fists inside his palms, Lord, have Your way. I want to be completely free...

"We claim the victory Lord in Jesus Name…”

Our gap was filled with peaceful silence, and I felt as though a heavy burden was being drained off my chest.

Amen …

I drew in a deep breath as the prayer came to an end. I saw his palms make its way to the side of my face, wiping my tear-wet cheeks.

“Thank you,” I breathed, lifting my gaze to meet his. “You seriously went all the way here just to see me.”

“I told you already, I can’t give you up that easily.” My heart began to throb wildly as I felt the blow of his breath brush my cheeks. His eyes illuminating the great love I felt for him.

“Thank you… for not giving up.” For the first time, I didn’t feel the guilt even if I was standing so near.

“Anna?”

“Hmm?” The throbbing of my heart intensified as his arms wrapped around my waist.

“Promise me you'll never leave again like that, okay?” 

“I promise,” I whispered.

A smile was drawn from his lips. "I love you..." I couldn't help but shut my eyes to the sound of his voice. He closed the space between us, drawing near until I felt his lips cover mine.

I love You...