Ann
The next months were not easy, but as we were separated, I prayed for him every
day. The Lord opened an opportunity for me to help cook at our mission’s school in
Ghana for three months. My sister and her family were part of the staff there also. It
was a blessing to have someone close I could share and relate with. While over in
Ghana I faced some very hard days wondering “How will I know for sure if it is God’s
will for us to get married later on?” Different people had different opinions. I realized
I needed to hear from the Lord, and trusted Him to make it clear somehow. As time
went on, I sensed that He would lead us back together again.
The Lord always brings complete healing and strength
in our relationship as we are honest with each other.
SELFLESS LOVE, THAT COMES ONLY THROUGH
CHRIST, IS SO POWERFUL!
Coming home was not easy, but I was becoming more eager for the time Justin and
I would be able to talk again. I missed him, and longed for his friendship. I knew I
could only take one step at a time as God directed me. I desired His will most of all.
Matthew 7:7-11 were verses that I hung on to. If we ask for good things from the Lord,
will He give us something bad? Never! I didn’t need to worry that I might have to go
into marriage without His assurance. This was a fear I faced, but the Word of God is
powerful. Jeremiah 29:11 was also a sure source of strength for me. The promises of
God proved to be the Rock under my feet.
As our 6 month break was coming to a close, I didn’t know whether we would get
married for sure, but God gave me peace that we should continue our relationship.
In May 2013, I let Justin know what I decided, and that I was coming to visit him in
TN. As we talked together, I sensed a peace from God that we were in His will. Those
were some sweet conversations we had together as we shared what the Lord was
doing in our hearts and lives. I saw a reality in Justin that wasn’t there before. It made
me feel like I could trust him. God was also working selfless love in my heart. He is
faithful!
A few days after I arrived in TN, we were re-engaged, and looking at the calendar to
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see how soon we could get married. This time, we were both excited and all of those
dark misgivings I had experienced the year before were gone! Praise God!!! There
was a soberness in what we were committing to and a deeper understanding of this
life-long commitment and of the goodness of the Lord. Also, the connection that we
had now through Christ, gave me confidence to move forward. Our relationship was
now being built on a solid foundation of openness and honesty with God and each
other.
On August 3, 2013, we vowed our lives together before God and our family and
friends. What an amazing and joyful occasion when you KNOW God’s blessing is on
you!! His touches of love and blessing were over everything that day!
Our loving Father has taught us, and continues to teach us so many wonderful lessons.
Through the things we have experienced in our courtship, and now in marriage,
we see His wisdom and love in so many new ways! Justin and I are in awe at the
relationship He has blessed us with and talk very openly about it all. Our marriage
hasn’t been without trials, but we can work through anything with the Lord’s help.
He always brings complete healing and strength in our relationship as we are honest
with each other. Selfless love, that comes only through Christ, is so powerful! We
thank God, and desire to make it known that God is GOOD. Through the darkest and
deepest trials, He is faithful. Let us all trust Him that He will work all things together for
good to those who love God.
Justin & Ann have an incredible story of redemption. For readers facing relationships with similar questions and challenges, the couple has graciously provided their email address for contact. They are happy
to provide encouragement and answer questions as able. Contact them at: [email protected]
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