Sarah sat on the wooden bench outside her church, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson. She had always loved this time of day—a moment where the world seemed to slow down, and she could reflect on God’s goodness. But tonight, her heart felt heavy. At 29, she had watched her closest friends walk down the aisle, start families, and step into the season of life she had long prayed for. And yet, here she was—faithful, patient, but still single.
She had dated before. In college, there was Daniel, the charming youth leader who spoke so eloquently about his faith but whose actions often contradicted his words. Then there was Mark, a coworker whose kindness had drawn her in, but deep down, she knew he didn’t share her faith in Christ. Time and time again, Sarah had chosen to walk away, believing that settling for less than God’s best would only lead to heartache. Yet, with each passing year, the waiting became harder.
One evening, after another wedding invitation arrived in her inbox, she found herself on her knees, tears streaming down her face. “Lord, have You forgotten me?” she whispered. “Am I meant to be alone?”
But as she opened her Bible, her eyes fell on Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” In that moment, peace washed over her heart. She realized that God was not withholding love from her—He was preparing her for something far greater than she could imagine.
Meanwhile, on the Other Side of the City…
Michael had always believed in waiting for the right one. Growing up in a Christian home, he had seen the beauty of a God-centered marriage through his parents. But as he entered his thirties, the waiting became a test of faith. He had spent years growing in his walk with Christ, serving in his church, and pursuing his career, but love still felt out of reach.
He had met women who caught his eye, but something was always missing—a shared purpose, a deep commitment to faith, a calling to serve together. His friends often encouraged him to lower his expectations, but he refused to settle. Ephesians 5:25 had been ingrained in his heart: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” If he was to love someone as Christ loved the church, then she had to be someone worth waiting for.
One evening, while scrolling through his phone, an ad for a Christian matchmaking platform caught his attention. He hesitated. Online dating had never been part of his plan. But as he prayed about it, he felt a nudge in his spirit. Maybe this was how God would bring the right person into his life.
When Paths Cross in God’s Timing
Sarah had reluctantly signed up for the same platform after a close friend convinced her to give it a try. She wasn’t expecting much. “God doesn’t need a website to write my love story,” she had said. But as she filled out her profile, listing her passions for ministry, missions, and family, she prayed, “Lord, if this is Your will, let it be for Your glory.”
A week later, she received a message.
Michael: Hi Sarah, I saw your profile, and I really admire your passion for serving in ministry. I’d love to hear more about your journey with Christ.
She hesitated. Was this another dead-end conversation? But something about his message felt different. She replied, and what started as a simple exchange quickly turned into something deeper.
Over the next few months, their conversations were filled with stories of faith, dreams of serving God together, and late-night prayers over the phone. Michael admired Sarah’s unwavering trust in God, and she was drawn to his strength, humility, and leadership. They had both spent years waiting, but now, it was clear—God had been writing their love story all along.
Their first in-person meeting wasn’t at a fancy restaurant or a coffee shop—it was at a Sunday church service, where they worshiped side by side for the first time. As Sarah sang, she glanced at Michael, who had his eyes closed in deep reverence. A warmth filled her heart.
This is what I prayed for.
A Love That Reflects Christ
Months turned into a year, and their relationship grew not just in love, but in faith. They attended pre-marital counseling, sought guidance from their pastors, and placed God at the center of every decision.
One evening, as they walked by the same church bench where Sarah had once cried out to God in loneliness, Michael took her hands and whispered, “I’ve been praying about this for a long time.” With a deep breath, he knelt and pulled out a ring.
“Sarah, I don’t just love you—I want to serve God with you. Will you marry me?”
Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded. “Yes, Michael. A thousand times yes.”
As they embraced, Sarah looked up at the sky, now painted in the same golden hues she had admired many nights before. The wait had been long. The journey had tested her faith. But now, she understood.
God was never late. He was always right on time.