Rachel had always believed in fairy tales—the kind where two people meet unexpectedly, sparks fly, and everything falls into place effortlessly. But as she grew older, reality taught her otherwise. Dating had been a journey filled with hope and heartbreak. She had met good men, kind men, and even men who spoke of faith, but something was always missing. Some lacked spiritual depth, while others were more interested in casual dating than a God-centered relationship.
At 31, Rachel found herself at a crossroads. She had dedicated her life to serving in her church, mentoring young women, and growing in her walk with Christ. She loved her life, but deep down, there was still a longing for companionship—a partner who would walk beside her in faith, not just in romance.
One evening, after attending yet another wedding of a close friend, she sat alone in her apartment, wondering if she had missed her chance. “Lord,” she prayed, “I don’t just want love for the sake of love. I want a relationship that honors You. If it’s Your will, I trust You to bring the right man at the right time.”
Little did she know, God was already working behind the scenes.
Miles Away, Another Prayer Was Being Whispered
James had spent most of his twenties focusing on his career and ministry. He had always known that marriage was a calling, not just a life milestone, and he refused to enter into a relationship without God’s clear direction. Though he had met several wonderful women, he never felt peace about pursuing anything serious. His family often encouraged him to be more open, to “just give it a shot,” but he knew that waiting on God’s timing was more important than rushing into something that wasn’t meant to be.
One evening, after leading a Bible study on the topic of patience and God’s will, James felt a stirring in his heart. He had been content in his singleness, but he sensed God telling him that the season was about to change. That night, he prayed, “Lord, if You have someone for me, let our meeting be undeniable. I don’t need perfect—I need purpose.”
When God Orchestrates the Unexpected
A week later, Rachel’s best friend convinced her to attend a Christian singles retreat. “It’s not about finding someone,” her friend reassured her. “It’s about being in a space where people are serious about faith, just like you.”
Reluctantly, Rachel agreed. She told herself she wasn’t going to the retreat to meet anyone—just to grow, learn, and be refreshed. But on the first night, during a group prayer session, she found herself sitting across from a man with warm eyes and a kind smile.
James.
Over the course of the weekend, they found themselves in deep conversations about faith, missions, and God’s purpose for relationships. Unlike previous encounters Rachel had with men, this wasn’t filled with pretense or surface-level attraction. There was depth. There was alignment. And more importantly, there was peace.
James felt it too. He had always imagined that meeting the right person would come with an overwhelming sense of certainty—and for the first time, he understood what that felt like.
Walking in Faith, Not Fear
After months of prayer, wise counsel, and intentional courtship, Rachel and James knew their relationship was something special. They didn’t idolize each other; they pushed each other closer to Christ. They didn’t rush into emotions; they built a foundation of faith.
One evening, as they walked through a quiet park, James turned to Rachel and said, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know one thing—God brought you into my life for a reason. I want to love you the way Christ loves the church. Will you walk this journey with me?”
With tears in her eyes, Rachel nodded. She had spent years waiting, trusting, and wondering if love would ever find her. But in that moment, she realized—love had never been missing. God had been writing her love story all along.
And now, it was unfolding in His perfect time.