In the past two weeks I have been dating this godly woman from Austin named Amanda. We met at a Heart of Dating event. At the event, we connected right away on a number of topics. First, we hit it off on the fact that we both serve in Children's Ministry. Second, we hit it off on the fact we have both struggled with finding Young Adult community. Another thing, we both went into the event thinking we would meet someone.
There's a few ways that we are similar. One, we both want to raise a strong godly family. Two, we both enjoy hiking and the outdoors. Three, enjoy journaling. Fourth, we are both honest and intentional.
I feel like meeting her happened in the right time in my life. I went through some struggles with rejection in January. Then, some frustration with a woman with lack of clarity/rejection in the summer. Then, in late summer someone from online ghosted me. I feel like reading Kait Warman's book on rejection had helped me though these things and various podcasts in HOD.
God's been showing me that he is in the early stages of this dating relationship with Amanda. He's been working all things out for his good in our life. It says in Romans 8:28-29, ESV "And we know that those that love God all things work together for good, for those that are calling according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be firstborn among many brothers." Both of us had struggled through many difficulties during this past year. God has used all these hardships in our life so that we could finally meet three weeks ago.
On Thursday night, we talked about four and 1/2 to five hours. It seemed like we could not stop talking to each other. We have tried to set a time limit to end our calls but sometimes it does not happen according to plan. It does not shock me anymore. I have not had a connection with any godly woman before in my life.
Lastly, we of both have been seeking the Lord's will for a godly relationship. God calls us to trust in his will for our life. It says in Jeremiah 29:11 ESV, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for evil and to give you a future and a hope." Also, Jesus has been showing me that through my constant surrender to his leading, conforming my thoughts to his image, and he is working out things out according to his plans for my life (Romans 12:1-2). In summary, the past three weeks have been reminding me God's ways are not our ways.
