Before sheltering in place, I had big plans for this year. With goals for my career, I enrolled in courses for professional development. I looked into conferences and other events with the purpose of meeting new people. The thought of relocating to a different city weaved itself through my mind. If I was ever going to meet someone, then I had to put myself out there. Then out of nowhere, the quarantine put a drastic halt to all my plans.
Immediately, panic set in. My only human interactions were at work or the grocery store. At work, it was solely females with the occasional married, old, or otherwise unavailable males. The grocery store was full of failed attempts at flirting with a face mask covering my pristine smile. In order to be more proactive, I joined a dating apps and read books on relationships. I figured that I should prepare for what I was asking of God. As I studied through some of the books, I felt as though God was shifting my focus from the overwhelming desire to be in a relationship to something much bigger.
One of the best books on dating is called True Love Dates by Debra Fileta. This book challenged me to look at areas of my life deep underneath the surface. I had ask myself tough questions, figure out what I want, and even create a buck list. It also solidified some non-negotiables in my future partner. I found myself encouraged to date God’s way as it included practical tips in keeping Him first in the relationship. As I read, I felt an urge to shut off the dating apps and quiet the voice in my head screaming “now or never”. God was slowly debunking my ideas of how and where I would meet my future spouse. He revealed new dreams of how He wanted me to impact the world around me. Initially, my mind resisted these ideas. If I do this or move there, then I might not get what I want. Then came a chilling question, “Do you trust me?” I had to face the question and come to terms with the answer. Did I trust that God knew best for me? Did I truly believe that He’d bring the right people across my path at the right time? He told me as I start down the path He paved for me, then I’ll meet my person. We’ll be heading in the same direction. Once I received that revelation, all of the pressure and urgency wore off. I could rest as I trusted God and followed His plan for my life.
I pray this encourages all my single readers. Now is the perfect time to invest in yourself. Listen to podcasts or read books that provoke you to dig deeper into who God’s called you. Get quiet before God and allow Him to reveal His plans for your life. Maybe you’re not single and wondering how this applies to you. God can still use this time to reveal your next steps if you allow Him. I believe God is trying to shift our focus in these last days. He wants us to be about kingdom business. As we trust Him with our lives, He promises to make our plans succeed.
Be encouraged! 😊
Scripture References: Proverbs 16:3 (TPT) “Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:9 (AMPC) “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”
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