CHAPTER TWENTY

David was sure that the church could not have seen a more beautiful bride. A thousand thoughts ran through his mind as he watched her glowing like the eastern star as she came closer and closer to the front. He smiled at Stephen, who stood behind him as his best man. Stephen acknowledged the smile by nodding his head approvingly. Then he looked into the audience and smiled at Myra. Stephen couldn’t begin to explain his feelings of thankfulness.

David felt as secure as a babe in the womb. He had his family in the same room at the same time, witnessing the most special day of his life. The pain of the last few years seemed only a vague memory. What was real was in front of him. His parents were seated together in church. He knew they weren’t perfect but he saw two individuals put aside their selfish desires in order for the will of God to go forth. Yet, to David, that was as perfect as any marriage could get.

The outcome of each situation was worth every trip he had made into hell.

The audience stood and stared in awe as the beautiful bride marched with timely rhythm to the traditional wedding march. She clung to her father with her gloved hand but stared at the awaiting groom.

The two eagerly approached the altar after her father released her. He nodded approvingly as he gave her to the one who would be responsible for her from that day forward.

David had insisted on writing his own vows. He said he had things to acknowledge to the Lord. He was not afraid to speak vows before God and man. He knew God would enable him to keep those vows.

“I, David Jonathan Edwards, promise before God and all these witnesses to love you Rose Marie as Christ loved the church. I know that I have a lot of growing to do in order to achieve that promise. I know that I may never love you the exact way that Christ does, but I vow to spend the rest of my life trying. As you have been presented to me today, a beautiful woman, I present myself to you though I know I am not flawless. As you look to me for protection, I will look to Christ, as you look to me for provision, I will look to Christ, as you look to me for understanding, I will look to Christ and if you should ever look to me for forgiveness, I will look to Christ. Christ has become my model. I will look to him daily in order to view my image in his mirror. As time goes by, should God grant us any precious seed, I promise to nurture the seed in the ways of the Lord without sacrificing my promises to you to fulfill your needs. These are the promises I make to God first, to you second and finally before the witnesses of this assembly, so help me God.”

Rose fought back the tears as she held his hand. Somehow she knew in her heart that not one of these words would fall to the ground. They were being permanently branded in his heart as well as hers and she would never forget them.

One week after the wedding, the chase was on. David dreamed demons were running all over the place. He overheard an argument that had developed between Satan and the demons.

As it turns out, neither the Smiths nor the McCains were the real target. Satan announced that he was really after the children, the seed of man, the fruit of God. Yet, since his demons failed to get the parents, he would have a terrible time getting to the children. There was no one in line to be sacrificed. At least no one that David knew. Yet every direction he turned, he could hear the demons taking flight. They were actually running and confused.

He woke up and grinned. For the first time in his dream, he was the aggressor. The enemy was actually running from him. They were afraid of the power he exercised through prayer.

No one was beside him. Where was Rose? The clock showed five a.m. She was probably in the bathroom, he reasoned. As he entered his prayer room he was pleasantly surprised to find her there. She had one hand on the horn of the altar. Then she looked up, gave him a smile and extended the other hand to her husband.

The End