Wednesday, February 11, 2009

SWAK Carnival



I met my husband at church, Wednesday night prayer meeting and Bible study to be exact. I didn't really notice him, but he says he noticed me and asked a mutual friend to introduce us. Later, Jeff joined the singles group; I'd been active in starting it with a handful of other young adults a few years before.

At church and different singles events, Jeff would talk to me, one time offering to walk me to my car, and I still paid him little attention. I had been hurt by my previous boyfriend - he dated another girl behind my back because she would do things that I had reserved only for marriage. I was not interested in giving my heart to anyone else, except God that is. I thought about becoming a missionary so dating was not in my plans.

Jeff was persistent, though. He asked me out after a few months of friendship and I promptly turned him down. I had a good excuse - I'd promised my sister I'd babysit her daughter that night. Well, I told my dad I'd turned down a date and he got angry. He blurted, "This might be your only chance to ever get married!"

Oh brother. I had young men interested in me all of the time but I had successfully dissuaded all of them from "bothering me." Except for this stubborn Jeff, that is.

Well, to make a long story short, I called Jeff up, told him I was free that night after all, and went on that date. We dated for four months, got engaged and then married another four months later.

When God wants you to do something, He works it out. If left to my own desires, I would never have gone on that first date, much less marry this man and have 5 children. I don't think being a missionary at that time was what I was supposed to do after all.

10 comments:

Growth in God said...

Love it- very inspirational. My husband was very persistent too, I tried to always set him up with mutual friends. Finally one day he said- you are who I am interested in, not anyone else, would you please stop that. Boy am I ever so thankful now.

Secondary Roads said...

God is so neat! And He will work His will. Thanks for sharing your personal story.

Rachel@just another day in paradise said...

God must get an amazing laugh out of our plans sometimes. . .good story. However, does it feel like you're still a missionary? You know, a missionary within your own home? When I think back to my plans, I am amazed at how different they are from what I thought they should be, and yet, there's those same threads running through my life. . .

Anonymous said...

The way that God works on this is something that is amazing. I thought I would never meet the woman that I married to only find her online playing a video game. Talked over the phone for like 6 months, met her once in person, and I knew she was the one. We got married that summer.

na said...

We all love Jeff so much...so glad you stopped and allowed him to catch you!

Kristen said...

What a great story! I love how God orders our steps! It took my hubby and I awhile to listen to Him...but when we did--WOW!

Heather said...

Hooray for your dad! I'm glad to hear that things worked out.

Natalie said...

wow, what a special story and great testimony of God's plans. thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

Wow! Your man is a persistent guy...must have really known that you're the one for him. Great story!

Decor To Adore said...

I am a bit late in visiting via the SWAK carnival, but what a great post!