Katie Nelson

I’m super excited to share with you a post by my sweet friend, Riley. I first met Riley at a Cru High School conference this past December and was blown away by her maturity, passion for the Lord, and desire to live for Jesus. When I came across one of her recent posts in which she was reflecting on her first date, I was so encouraged that I had to see if she’d let me re-blog it here. I’m stoked she agreed:) For more of Riley’s writing, check out her blog Amazing Grace 2:8. 

“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.” Song of Solomon 2:7

Recently, I had my first date. It was wonderful, practically perfect. From the way he asked, to all the great conversations that were had and all the delicious food that was devoured. This guy… He totally loves and pursues the Lord. His leadership skills are only by the Grace of God and he is incredibly wise. On our second date he wanted to serve others by “picking up the check.” He just wanted to give the Grace of God that he had and still does receive, to others. This is one amazing man that God is raising up and preparing to share His Gospel. Here’s the thing though…. today, we talked. The end result of our DTR was beautiful. God totally led us in our conversation. We decided to hold off on diving into a relationship.

God is so good.

Here’s just one reason why:

We talked about the purpose behind our dates on our second date and also talked about whether or not it was the right timing for a relationship. The next day I meditated on the verse above and fervently prayed for clear direction. I came to the conclusion that it really isn’t God’s timing for me to have a relationship. Yes. I’m not going to lie. I was somewhat disappointed and worried. What if he wants a relationship? I have to tell this amazing, Jesus-loving man “no”? What if his feelings get hurt? What if he finds another girl? When these selfish questions came in my mind and out of my mouth, God confirmed it for me. It’s not the right time.

And can I just tell you how marvelous and gracious my Father is?!

Not only did He give me a clear answer, but He gave me peace about it. By His Grace alone I can embrace this season of singleness. He has made my heart excited for this next year with Jesus. It’s almost as if he said, “See how great this man is!? I am shaping and preparing your husband. Trust me. And you think this man is great?! Jesus is greater! Perfect. Holy. And He’s jealous for you! He has no flaws or faults. He will love you with a perfect love like no one else can. His Grace is abounding and His love is steadfast.”

Jesus is amazing!

I am extremely excited to use this next year or perhaps these next years to soak up more of Him, to develop my sweet friendships with my awesome, admirable girlfriends, and to invest time into young girls lives.

Through this He is teaching me patience in trusting Him and it is so incredibly rewarding. He’s given me a strong hunger for knowing, not just reading, but knowing His word(s).

My encouragement for all you ladies is to wait. Date with a purpose. Embrace your year(s) of singleness. :D

Oh yeah. And it will be hard at times. And every day you’ll have a battle going through your mind of , “Does he really not want a relationship because he doesn’t think it’s the right time? Or does he really just not like me? Uh, I’ll never be good enough. What’s wrong with me? Is it because I’m boring? Am I too serious? Is it my laugh that broke it off? Is it my size, looks, aspirations?”

Ladies! Fight these battles. Hold on to what is true.

Jesus has made you beautiful.

A verse that has been helpful for me to meditate on to fight these mind and heart battles is found in Psalm 84.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

…

For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

…

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts,

blessed is the one who trusts in you!”

These verses are found throughout Psalm 84… I just wrote some of the verses from the passage that have brought the most joy and healing to me. You should read the whole thing though. It’s beautiful and oh so refreshing!

These verses just keep it all about God and how wonderful He is! Fix your eyes, heart, mind, and soul on Him and His beauty ladies.

He’s perfect. He’s holy. He’s lovely.

He alone brings fullness of joy and grace.

Trust in Him.

——

Lastly, Encourage someone new today my friends! :D