The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.  Proverbs 4:18

     “But I’m so lonely.” These words came back to me on the phone when I asked the young woman why she thought dating a non-Christian guy was a good idea. In the past, this was what she did: she dated successful, controlling, non-Christian guys (guys who seemed to have their act together)—and it never turned out well.

     In the past three years this lovely young woman had pursued God in a passionate way, and it had transformed her. God had answered many prayers. But this part of her life, her heart, was still in waiting. He had not provided the relationship that she longed for. Then this kind, thoughtful man came along. It was like water in a thirsty land—except he did not care at all about God.

     As we talked on the phone, she admitted he looked a lot like guys she had dated in the past, so why did she think it was a good idea now? “I’m so lonely.”

      Ah, it’s easy to believe God for things that don’t hit our hearts, but when the longing pierces deeply, we feel like we are left to fend for ourselves. I prayed with her and for her, that she could trust the God who had provided so much for her already. Would He provide this next thing? Would she be able to trust in the waiting?

     A few days later she called again, crying, saying she knew what she needed to do—even though it felt like voting against herself. She did it. And she let me know by text that she had made what she knew was the right choice.

     I texted her, “What doubt or question about God has this brought to the surface that needs to be addressed in your life?”

     She sent back: “Do I really trust Him and believe His promises? Am I strong enough to surrender what seems like everything? Does He care that I’m lonely?”  

     I said, “He will begin to show you answers to those questions in ways you don’t expect.”

     Funny thing, the next Monday I told this story to a single 28-yr old career girl, including the last two texts. She said, “Those are my questions too!”

     Why don’t we ask God to speak to us about things that really matter to our hearts? Sometimes prayer feels like the most delightful, intimate fellowship with God, but other times it feels like we’re fighting alone with hands bloodied from battle, and it’s all we can do to hold on to what God has promised us.  But do not underestimate the strength of God’s unswerving love. In our dark times when no one else loves us, God does. And no one will ever understand or care for us the way He does. His powerful love surrounds us every minute; guiding our lives, answering our prayers…even in the waiting.

*What are your heart questions that God needs to answer in order for you to have peace even in the waiting?

Father God,
I pray that as I wait on You, I will know the answers to questions I have about You. Reveal Yourself to me. Help me to believe You for the impossible. Remind me that there is a God in heaven who works wonders for His children. So I stand with arms outstretched and pray: God, hear my prayers and do wonders for me! In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.


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