“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7
I should have already blogged about this one, but let time slip! We stayed at this wonderful church in Belfast month 8 called New Life City Church. Our very first week there my team started joking around about “who’s marrying Julie?”. I thought they were just joking and kind of brushed it off like whatever guys….hush it up. Then on Saturday before church the pastor’s son, Jonathan asked who was being the bride and groom for Sunday’s sermon.
Then it hit me…..this wasn’t a joke. They really needed me and one of the guys to represent the church (bride) and Jesus (groom). I remember Jonathan pulled out the wedding dress and then I realized I was playing the part as the bride. Dave decided since he already had a suit he would be the groom.
So let me first explain a little bit about how special this day was for me. I know to some it probably sounds like a joke, but I took it to heart. One of my wishes since I was young was to be married before I turned 30 to that special someone. I had prayed and prayed for it but then realized it wasn’t going to happen as I turned 29 and started preparing for the World Race.
This year Jesus has romanced me soooo much and it’s been unreal to see His love for me as I continue to pursue Him. Little did I know He would answer the very prayer I prayed, but in a different way. Exactly 30 days before I turned the big thirty, He allowed a church sermon to take place and I had the honor to be His bride. I didn’t have to get fit for a dress either. I was able to wear one of the women’s dresses from her wedding several years ago and it fit me perfectly. How awesome is Jesus?! He had all of this already planned and knew the dress would fit me exactly.
It has been a year of being exclusive with Jesus because I’ve never really allowed that to happen… He decided it was time for me to marry, but not just anyone….I would marry Him first. I felt so much love from the congregation of people I didn’t even know standing as I walked down the aisle. I felt pure, innocent, adored, cherished…He loves me so much that He wanted to share a special day together…just me and Him getting married. I’m going to keep dancing with Him, until He allows that special man to cut in. I love him and He makes me fall in love with Him day after day….over and over. He’s pretty amazing!
Marriage takes work and it’s not easy, but that’s the point of love and marriage…you keep working at it together, through the ups and downs….always being there for one another, sharing frustrations, forgiving one another, loving one another, seeking each other out, uplifting one another, praying for one another, but most of all placing God first always. He’ll never let you down.
Marriage is so much more than the vows and the ring. It’s a commitment to be faithful. We the church are to wait in anticipation for the return of our bridegroom. Are you ready for His return? How are you preparing yourself? Jesus longs to have a personal, intimate relationship with you!
~What can I do for You
What can I bring to You
What kind of song would You like me to sing
‘Cause I’ll dance a dance for You
Pour out my love to You
What can I do for You, beautiful King
Then hear you saying to me
Listen you, don’t have to do a thing
Just simply be with me
and let those things go
‘Cause they can wait another minute
Wait, this moment is too sweet
Would you please stay here here with me
And love on me a little longer
I love to be with you a little longer
‘Cause I’m in love with you~ A Little Longer by Bethel
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. “ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
