Before I started on this adventure I was like every other single college girl, looking for that coveted MRS. degree. (Ladies, admit it or not, you know it’s true, even if only a little.)
I knew a lot was going to change when I committed to the World Race; one of the first things I realized was that I was going to be off the dating scene for at least the next year and half. That’s tough to admit as a 20 year old college student. I mean, come on. This is prime husband hunting season.
I would be lying if I said I was totally fine with not dating, not even thinking about dating, because honestly, it is hard to wrap my head around. But after a while I stopped looking at what I would miss and started to look for Him. This is what I have so far:
- He is the ONLY thing/one who will be able to satisfy me. (Ps. 145:16&19)
- He will never leave me. (Jos 1:5)
- He thinks about me all the time. (Ps. 139:17-18)
- He loves me more than anything and nothing can change that. (Rom. 8:38)
*Go, read those verses for yourself, they are true for you too!*
Sorry men, but you will never be able to live up to that.
But God doesn’t stop there…
I went to Passion Conference for the first time this year and if you are a single college student you quickly realize how many other single college students are surrounding you for those four days. While my friends were pointing out every attractive guy who walked by, I kept getting this whisper in my soul saying “He is your brother, nothing more”. I realized how all of these amazing men around me are first and foremost my brother. It was freeing.
Yet again, He didn't stop the teaching there.
Once I was back at school this theme of dating and relationships kept falling in my lap through blogs, conversations, books, videos, and scripture. Apparently there was something I still wasn’t getting. After about the 10th message the Lord opened my eyes to truly value this sacred idea of men being my brothers in Christ.
One article I read pointed out how in the Bible women are reference in two ways as sisters and as wives. The same goes for men; they are my brothers until one will become my husband. And even better, I don’t have to try and weed out who that man is, because I have a Sovereign Father who has created him just for me. He is molding our hearts individually to be satisfied in Him first so, then and ONLY then we can be together. But until God give me my husband I have all these amazing men around me who I get to call my brothers.
So…
Men, as my brothers, I expect you to lift the heavy things, protect me, make me laugh, encourage me, kill the big bugs, lead me, go on crazy adventures with me, and above all else guard my heart.
As your sister, I will give you my extra food, follow your lead, pray for you, make sure you have clean clothes, do everything I can to keep you from stumbling, try and be funny but fail miserably, encourage you and above all else I will guard your heart too.
This video was one that had a big part in all of this.
