I want Jesus to come back.
I want to see Him, unveiled, face to face.
I want to live in the Kingdom illuminated by His glory and paved by streets of gold.
I want to experience Jesus’ perfect goodness, His deeper goodness.
But, I also want to get engaged. I want to experience the moment when that guy gets down on one knee and pops that long-awaited question, “Will you marry me?”
I want to get married. I want to plan my wedding, I want to pick out my dress, the flowers, the bridesmaids dresses, and I want to walk down the aisle, and finally say, “I do.”
I want to have kids. I want to experience pregnancy and pick out baby names and decorate the nursery with light blue or gentle pink.
I want to tell my kids about Jesus and treasure the sweet moments of tucking them in, making them breakfast, asking them how their day was after school.
I want to graduate college and strive to get a real-world, full time job. (Okay, confession, I just want to dress business-casual and walk in with a latte every day.)
I want to travel; I want to get my first apartment; I want to have dinner parties; I want to experience the things that our hearts hope for here in this life.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting those things.
I mean, our sweet Jesus put certain passions and desires in our hearts, like marriage, and motherhood, and community.
But, I think the trouble comes when we want those things more than we want Jesus.
That used to be me.
It’s hard, friends. It’s really hard. My heart was so convicted about this.
The idea of engagement, of marriage, of kids, of jobs, of life in general just seemed SO sweet. And so good. And so satisfying.
But the Lord has laid this on my heart: those things all simply point us to Jesus.
Jesus is the point of it all.
And Jesus is the giver of it all.
Jesus gives us marriage to show us a glimpse of Christ’s devotion to his Church. The male, the protector, the leader is like Christ. The female, the bride, is like the Church. Unconditional love. Relentless pursuit. Fullness of intimacy. Jesus and Church.
Jesus gives us little kiddos to show us a glimpse of the Father’s love for us. The way mommies and daddies love their kids is but a small example of how the Father loves us.
Jesus gives us friends and community to encourage each other, to love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, to carry each other’s burdens, and to walk each other home: to our heavenly home.
The desire for these things is good. It really is. Our sweet Jesus can totally be glorified in all of these things.
But we have to understand that ultimately, it’s all about Jesus, it’s all because of Jesus, it’s all for Jesus.
Friends, hear this: When the reality of how completely and utterly satisfying Jesus Christ really is, our hearts will yearn for Him.
In the shadow of Jesus Christ’s sweetness, everything else in the world seems surprisingly bland.
In the shadow of Jesus Christ’s light, everything else in the world seems oddly faded.
In the shadow of Jesus Christ’s promises, everything else in the world seems rather fleeting.
Things like marriage, kids, community, traveling are still good, and our hearts will surely find joy in them. But Jesus will just seem more vivid. Brighter. More promising. More satisfying. Deeper. Fuller. More abundant.
It’s not about trying to change your heart. It’s not even about priorities, or work, or striving.
It’s about giving your heart to Jesus, and asking him to work in it.
It’s about asking Jesus to show your heart even a glimpse of His sweetness and love.
Because, friends, once we have tasted the glory of Jesus, our hearts will never turn back.
Things will effortlessly fall into the role they are supposed to be:
We will desire marriage, and kids, and traveling, and community. But our hearts will just desire Jesus more.
And then, one day, we will just find ourselves saying, “Jesus, come.”
One day, we will just find ourselves understanding the glory that awaits us.
We will long to live in a world with no pain, or discomfort, or mourning. We will long to live in a world where our bodies are restored, and where we can run and not faint. We long to live in a world where our sweet Jesus’ presence is truly, truly unveiled right before our eyes.
It’s a work of the Spirit in our hearts.
Sisters, I want to see my guy get on one knee, look into my eyes, and ask me to marry him. (Preferably at night, with city lights in the background, a circular ring.)
Sisters, I want to go wedding dress shopping (sweetheart neckline, sleek top, but some volume on the bottom) and chose the flower arrangements (peonies all the way) and walk down the aisle (lined with flower petals, of course).
Sisters, I want my own little babies (Maverick and Ava), and maybe even a black and white spotted Pomeranian. (Not that I’ve planned it out, or anything.)
But above all of that, I want Jesus.
This world isn’t our home. We are foreigners, actually citizens of Heaven.
We have tasted the sweetness of Jesus, like at your favorite gelato shop you can taste the new flavor on a little spoon. But we haven’t gotten the full scoop yet. It’s still coming. We are still waiting, yearning, hoping.
I want my big ‘ol scoop of gelato. (Salted caramel mixed with decadent dark chocolate, please.)
I want my big ‘ol hunk of Jesus.
But, we wait. And pray that He would come soon, like really soon.
SO Jesus, come. Come quickly. Because I know that You are so much sweeter than everything of this earth. Because, Your alone satisfy my heart. My soul longs for You.
And, friends, we all say AMEN!
With much, much love. And little spoonful of hope. -Melissa
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Great post. The passion for Jesus has been muddled by too many of us Christians today. I love to find someone who see’s past the empty promises of the world to find the heart of Jesus. 🙂
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Thank you so much for your sweet words! It’s true that the passion for Jesus sometimes gets dimmed.. but God is always so faithful to lead us right back to His arms, His cross, His love! Yes, may we press on to see the heart of Jesus, right here, right now. Much love to you, my sister! Keep shining!
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I too have a passion for Jesus. He has saved my life more than once. I was accidently struck by ball bat at age 10. Went into a coma ,had 2 brain surgeries within a week After 5months I came home from hospital after learning to walk again. After about 45 years, fell one too many times. This time My leg broke, but God took the pain as I did not feel anything, thought I just needed help standing. Found bones were like chalk when had surgery , but our God is an awesome God. I was in the rehab 8 weeks. I can walk some but am now in a wheelchair as bones are like chalk, Do not want to take a chance of falling again. Yes, our God is a mighty God
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Wow what a great testimony of how good God is and how dearly He loves you. Amazing to hear! Yes, He is a mighty God! Much love and blessings to you, my friend!
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It’s so refreshing to hear our future generation say something like this. I can say anything on FB and get tons of likes but if I put something up about God or religion- I’m out in left field by myself, I feel. Sometimes no matter our age we have to take a step back, look at the people we are surrounding our selves with and re-evaluate our friendships. Thank you for sharing this and NOT be scared of what others think.
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Amen- may we bold in the Gospel of Jesus! He gives us not a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of self-control. Much love my friend!
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This is so cool these words for my sweet niece to post so goog and thoughtful.
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Love this! As a 20 year old, there’s so much my heart may yearn for (clarity of what career I want, friendships, a relationship, etc.), but overall…JESUS and His will!
Thanks for sharing this!
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AMEN- May Jesus be the deepest and truest desire in our hearts. He is everything!! Much love my friend!
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So true!!! Jesus is the ultimate ultimate! And also a great reminder to enjoy all these other gifts like a husband and kids (thankfully no Pomeranian) exactly as they are. Gifts from a loving Father! Love your blog!
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Katie,
I feel like I can hear the passion and excitement for Jesus in your words! Also, love that phrase you said, “Jesus is the ultimate ultimate!” SO TRUE! Yes, enjoy the good and perfect gifts from God… and don’t worry.. since writing this article, I no longer want a pomeranian. Haha! Thanks for your sweet words.. made my day! Much love to you!
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Christine, I know I don’t know you well but I love your heart !! John Piper says that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. I’m still learning this. He is our only satisfaction, when we drink of Him He fills us with “streams of living water.” Thank for your sweet pure heart and for sharing with us!! Prayers and a hug to you sweet sister in Christ!!
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You are one GREAT kid. You make us all proud! Papa Buck and Grandma Barb
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I loved this for it’s so true. I want to watch my Grandkids experience marriage. Children etc; but mostly Jesus.
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Marilyn,
I am so glad that you enjoyed this post! Yes, God gives us such good and perfect gifts that we can freely enjoy, and they all lead us right back to Him! How sweet and perfect! Praying for an abundance of grace and truth over your grandkids. Much love to you, my friend!
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I enjoyed reading this Morgan!!! Love you so much!!!
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Mary, so glad that you enjoyed this post! Much love to you!
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I want Jesus! I want to be at home with Him and no pain. Hallelujah! I am waiting for that glorious day to see Jesus sweet face, to be at the right of the Father and the right of Jesus” feet. Thank you for your blog.
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Brenda,
I can hear your passion for Jesus in this post! Wow! Yes, that sweet day of seeing Jesus face to face will be soon enough, m friend! Keep fighting that good fight.. keep pressing into Jesus and pouring His love out! Much love for you, my sister!
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I love this so much! You have such a sweet testimony of Christ!
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Nicole,
I am so glad that you enjoyed the post! Thank you for your sweet words. Much love to you, my friend!
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Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your beautiful insight! Even as I was reading this, the thought occurred to me, “What if I didn’t even finish reading this p
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CG,
I am so glad that you enjoyed the post. God has laid this on my heart this season and given me so much grace to understand it with not just my mind, but my heart also. Thanks for your sweet words… much love to you, my friend!
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You have such great voice! This is such a real and personal post–thank you for sharing your heart with a fresh, new perspective for a timeless message. Blessings!
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Thank you so much for your kind words- they made my night! So glad that you enjoyed the post. Keep shining bright for Jesus… much love to you, my friend!
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I love this! Nothing is more fulfilling than Jesus!
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Anna,
SO TRUE! Nothing will satisfy our wandering hearts but Jesus! Much love to you, my friend!
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Your words bring my soul joy! Is there a way to have all your posts sent to my email?
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Megan,
I love that! Haha that made me so happy! Yes, shoot me an email at mysweetjesusblog@gmail.com, and I will add you to the email list. Much love, my friend!
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Thank you so much for this! I really needed to read this today!
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Isabella,
So glad that you liked it! God always sends love and encouragement our way at just the right moments- He is the comforter and lover of your beautiful heart. Much love to you, my friend!
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Thank you so much for this – I really needed to hear it.
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Kirsten,
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this! God always gives us love and encouragement at just the right times! Much love to you, my friend.
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I love this! Thank you for sharing! I have been needing to read this. It is so hard to not focus on those things. If you feel like your focus is shifting towards them more then wanting Jesus. What are ways you kept focus on Jesus over marriage, kids, or the next big thing?
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Noelle,
So glad that you enjoyed this post! Yes, I completely understand how hard it is to shift and keep the focus on God! Honestly, I think that love, including love for Jesus is a fruit of the spirit. For so long I tried and strove to love Jesus more, but I learned this: It’s a fruit of the spirit, not a fruit of me. So, I have simply been praying that God would stir within me a greater love for Him, and He has been so faithful to do that. And when that happens, everything else: marriage, kids, etc., just falls into place. Hope this helps, my friend! Much love to you!
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Everything on my heart, everything in the back of my mind and depths of my soul, from the kiddos to the gelato, you have just expressed in beautiful words. This is just what I needed. Give me Jesus!
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Emily,
WOW! So amazing! I’m so glad that this touched your heart- and is exactly what is on your heart! AMEN, give me Jesus! Much love to you, my friend!
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“Because, friends, once we have tasted the glory of Jesus, our hearts will never turn back.”
Sadly, I feel like we often do turn away from Him! Even though he is so sweet, and satisfying… It can be easy to turn to other things in the world for satisfaction when we do not seek to maintain a relationship. He is faithful always, but I find we are not.
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Yes, my friend! It is so true that it’s rather easy to wander away from God, but He is always so faithful to draw us back to Him and bind our wandering hearts to His. Keep praying for a ferocious love and rest in the fact that God will never let you go! Much love to you, my friend.
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Melissa,
I LOVED this. As a man, I can whole heartedly relate, although just on the flip. I’ve always said that my greatest fear was that I don’t get to experience these things( just from the flip of the role.) I want a family, I want a wife, I want my wife to blame me for my sons/daughters orneriness. Haha! But above all, I have to come back and remind myself that none of that is possible without the love and mercy of Christ. I have to revisit that quite often, and there’s been times I’ve really struggled with the concept. But in the end, it’s but a small glimpse, taste, of what’s to come.
Beautiful article, and I thank you for verbalizing the obstacle that so many women, and men, take on and have to be reminded of.
God Bless!
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Blake,
I am so glad that you enjoyed this post! I completely understand getting caught up in thinking about all of these things, and then being reminded of how all of these good and perfect gifts lead us straight back to the Giver. We have all struggled with this concept- I’m for sure in the same boat! It’s all praise to God for binding our hearts back to his. Thank you for your kind words! God bless!
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Beautifully written… I felt your passion. It’s a passion I once held close to my own heart not super long ago. My life has been inundated with tragedy after tragedy. For years, I just sucked it up & ‘knew God would get me through – give me strength’. This last tragedy put me over the top. I feel like I’ve been a punching bag for my entire life. I was stronger in the beginning – I had thicker skin. Over the years, as each punch came in, the skin got weaker, started to crack – but God still got me through. And still, the punches kept coming and through all the “why’s”, I held steadfast to our Sweet Jesus. Today, this punching bag has ripped at the seams and I am broken and everything inside is a mangled mess from years of punching. Where I also once said I could never turn away – I feel numb and so incredibly disconnected from anything resembling sweet and/or beautiful. At times, my heart aches to feel Hos presence again and yet, in all my stillness, nothing. Perhaps my anger and brokenness are too big right now?
Anyhoo…your iridescent and vibrant words planted a small seed of hope this morning that, tho broken, not all is lost for this soul. I’ve been where you are, once – perhaps my journey will lead me back…
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Elizabeth,
You aren’t alone on this roller coaster journey. God has a plan for you. His word speaks clearly. If He can calm a storm, or protect a tiny sparrow He will be there with you in your need. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God”.
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Elizabeth,
WOW. This post literally almost brought tears to my eyes. What an inspiring story.. one filled with faith and hope that is raw, deep, and strong. My friend, I don’t think that your anger and brokenness are too big… not for the One who rose from the grave to be with you. I am praying that this small seed of hope goes deep into your heart… rooted and planted, ready to sprout up with time. It’s okay that you are not strong…. my sister, let Christ BE your strength.. not make you strong. He adores you, always has and always will. Let me know if I can ever pray for anything for you; my email is mysweetjesusblog@gmail.com.
Much, much love to you!
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Melissa,
I’m definitely glad you wrote this because this is something I currently struggle with. It’s also great to see that I’m not the only guy that feels this way (thanks for your post as well, Blake). And my head knows that Jesus is the epitome of good and I should want Him the most, but my heart needs to wrap itself around that as well. It’s refreshing to be reminded that all these things that we desire really are here to point us back to Jesus.
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So glad that you enjoyed this post- it was a refreshing reminder and thing to be learned, too. Yes, shoutout to Blake haha! Our God is a God who loves the process… so don’t rush yourself or push too hard. Love will just flow freely from seeking Him. Thank you for this comment; it made me happy! God bless!
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Wow!! SO good! Such a beautiful article and exactly what I’ve been feeling!
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Katy,
So glad that you enjoyed this post! And that it was exactly what you have been feeling. Much love to you, my friend!
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Thank you for this. You have no idea how I needed this. As a man pursuing those things too…it’s really challenging.
May God put that yearn in me, in all of us! We need to understand the satisfaction Jesus Christ can give our hearts. It is a mystery for most of us. And some of us still struggle to understand that satisfaction. I do, I confess! It is hard. But the only thing we can do is keep striving to look in Him that joy and delight.
We all have those desires: those are noble things: a spouse, kids, a steady job, lovely friends, some X-Large Priscilla chocolate and peanut butter milkshake… But when we understand that all good things come from above, from the Father of Lights, whom never changes… we can pursue Him instead.
That’s my prayer not just for me, but for each and every person who reads this. That we can understand the love of Jesus, and to actually see; not just get it metaphorically, to see the delight Jesus Christ can bring to our souls.
God bless!
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Gabriel,
WOW loved this! I can hear the passion in your words, and that is from God Himself! I love what you said about how the satisfaction of Jesus Christ is a mystery, impossible to understand.. something to be experienced, not understood! So true that all of those things come from the Giver.. the gifts lead us to the Giver! Thanks for your prayers- AMEN to all of it! Thanks for all of this- God bless, my friend!
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Thanks for reblogging, my friend! Much love!
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Loved it!!!! Every word was right on the money. Love the connection you made about all of these great earthly relationships and the love of Christ. They truly are a glimpse of His love for us. At the end of the day, Jesus is all that matter. Thanks for your encouraging words… My bible study got their fill this week because of your article 🙂
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Adrienne,
So glad that you loved this post! Yes, God laid that one my heart- that earthly relationships show a glimpse of His love for us! But yes- the gifts lead us to the Giver. So awesome about your Bible study- that’s amazing ahah! Hope they all liked it. Much love to you, my friend!
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What great insight. As someone much older, with husband, job, and kids, I can say it is all about Jesus and really understanding that makes you able to handle the heart-aches of this world. These heart-aches (not getting that job you wanted, not be able to find the perfect dress, struggling with infertility, times of discord in your marriage, etc.) are temporal therefore by definition, only temporary. Jesus is the ultimate for eternity. Remember that as all your dreams may not come true.
Thanks for the insights.
God Bless.
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Adele,
I love what you said- that understanding that it’s all about Jesus makes us able to handle the heartaches of this world. That those things are temporary while Jesus is eternal. I will hold that tightly in my heart! Thank you, my friend! Much love.
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Reblogged this on soloshaina and commented:
What a poignant way to put it all into perspective…I honestly couldn’t have said it any better. Melissa your thoughts are the exact same as I have and the #struggleisreal when it comes to yearning for these material, worldly things that God truly desires for us but asks that we seek Him first for these things to only bring us closer to Him. Thank you. Thank you for sharing and helping me to place my thoughts and feelings into a healthier more faithfully driven perspective. God Bless. – S
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Shaina,
So glad that you enjoyed this post! Yes, I understand the the struggle was real haha, but yes may the gifts lead us to the Giver. Love that reference that if we seek Him first, then all of those things will lead us closer to Him. Much love to you, my friend!
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Melissa,
Thank you! Much love to you too friend! Looking forward to following your continued pursuit of life, love, and above all else – Him.
-S
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So I just have found and read your post and it really spoke to my heart. As a late in life single, no kids, no dog person, it was refreshing to hear someone to say that it is ok to want those things. Seems like today the expression of desiring the good things that God has ordained and created is an expression of not being “content”. The catch is just like you eloquently wrote, ” I think the trouble comes when we want those things more than we want Jesus.”
Wanting desiring Jesus is the goal, the need, and the imperative for every believer..single with no kids no dog or married with the whole caboodle and everyone in between.
Thanks for such affirming words and the heart behind them.
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Yes…. I loved all of this, my friend! Such a raw honesty and testimony. For the longest time I felt guilty for wanting those things.. until I realized that God created us in His image… to be relational, motherly/ fatherly, to work with our hands, etc. It’s how we were created…. but He is the Giver of it all. Every good and perfect gift comes from His gracious hand! So glad that this post touched your heart…. keep seeking our sweet Jesus! Much love to you, my friend!
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I am broken at this moment. I need wisdom. I need help. Most of my brokenness comes from my family. Please pray for understanding for me with wisdom from God to bring healing. I can’t keep living this way. God knows what I am trying to say. He alone is my help in time of trouble.
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Kay,
My dear friend! If there’s one thing that I can say, let me say that it’s all going to be okay. God is so near to the broken-hearted… He is a God who comforts His children in the hardest of times. Be still, my sister… His peace will cover even the craziest of chaos. Praying for a faith that stands strong in the storms…a faith that knows the sweet Jesus who calms the storms himself. Email me if there’s anything else I can pray for. Much love!
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Wow! Awesome blog post! It’s so true and it hits so close to home for me! Even being a male, I deeply desire for a wife and kids and to experience these same things that you’ve mentioned. It is very easy to get lost in wanting those things but thank you for reminding us that Jesus is manifested in those things and that Jesus is the utmost! My church’s motto is: “All of life is all for Jesus” 😊
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Josiah,
Thank you for such kind words! I appreciate them so much. So true that it’s easy to lost in the excitement of all of these things… we are in need of such reminders! May I ask- what church? I went to a church in Arizona with that motto! Loved it!
God bless, Josiah!
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You put this into words!!!! Yes to all of this! I want Jesus, oh how I long for the day BUT I also long for my unborn children, my graduation from college, my future with my sweet husband. I love this!!!
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Hahaha I am SO glad that you understand it all, my sister! Yes! Praying for grace and blessings abundant over your life… much love to you!!
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Thanks for reblogging! Much love to you!
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Great. Just great. Im a guy but i kept seeing people post this so i wanted to read. Thank you for taking the time to write it. May God continue to bless you. In Jesus name
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Cole,
So glad that you liked the post! Hahaha glad that you clicked it on it- thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate them. God bless!
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This was something I REALLY needed. I’m 27, never dated, never really had anyone interested in me, and it’s getting harder. I do have a big girl job, (I sell houses), but I don’t live on my own (paying down student loans before I move out). But some days I get lonely and ask God when will it be my time? I’ve been a bridesmaid about 10 times, I’ve congratulated others, I’ve been to all the showers, bonded with my friends kids and feel like they are my family, and struggle daily with if I’ll ever get engaged, or have my own kids. I know God has a plan and I’m working very hard to trust and have faith that there is someone for me, but man are some days harder than others.
I know that all of that earthly stuff isn’t the end all for this life, Jesus and Heaven are my ultimate end all, but oh how my heart strongly desires those few earthly moments that seem to bring people so much joy, laugher, heartache, sorrow, etc. I know that marriage isn’t easy and neither are kids, but I want to figure stuff out with a Godly man that would point us closer to Jesus together.
Thank you for sharing your heart!
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Thank YOU for pouring your heart out.. I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. So awesome that you sell houses- and the wise choice to pay off student loans before you move out. I’m sure there have been so many bittersweet moments at friends’ weddings and bridal showers and what not… it can be hard! Keep staying strong in your sweet God… He knows exactly what He is doing; He wastes no time and no seasons. There is purpose in the winter and in the spring, my friend! He loves you, and He has placed those desires in your heart… may the gifts lead us closer to the Giver. You are always welcome to email me if you want to talk more! Much love to you!
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Thanks for reblogging; much love to you!
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So glad that you enjoy the posts! Thanks for reblogging. Much love to you, my friend!
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I am in a state of interior Joy to hear someone in this day speak the eloquently reality of my interior life feels ,thoughts and all. Blessed be Jesus. Ave Ave Maria.
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Awh I am so glad that you enjoyed the post…. and thank you so much for your sweet words! They mean so much. Yes, blessed be Jesus! Much love to you, my friend!
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Hi Melissa,
My cousin shared this post on Facebook over a week ago and I couldn’t bring myself to read it. I thought you were going to end the post by saying “And once I realized Jesus was all I needed my future husband walked into the room and we are now happily married…” as so many of these encouraging stories seem to end.
I am 38-years-old, never been in a relationship, and never been on a date. Never held a man’s hand (except at church when instructed to hold hands across the aisle), never kissed, never hugged passionately…you get the picture. There are a lot of “never”s in my life. Not that I don’t want to date…but no one has ever asked me out. Maybe in this modern age you might respond (like many of my friends and family like to) “you could do online dating. I’m sure you would find a husband online easy enough.” (said with a snarky attitude and a bite of a smug look to top it off…) Usually they follow that statement with “God only helps those who help themselves” or my favorite “God uses all sorts of tools to bring people together. Online dating might be the tool He will use to bring you to the right man.” (they like to throw the Lord in there answers to make it sound more spiritual, I think.)
I have prayed for YEARS, literally YEARS that if the Lord wants me to do online dating or be pursue a man I am attracted to, that He would direct me to do online dating or pursue that guy…well, one time I did pursue the guy and I believed I loved him but he did not reciprocate. It tore my heart out and shattered it into a thousand pieces…I have been hesitant to pursue anyone since. That was 10 years ago.
In the past I used to pray “Lord, please just let me know if I will ever get married or not. Either way, I will trust your answer and be satisfied.” but there was never an answer…only silence. As my family and friends around me have dated, fallen in love, gotten married, and having babies, I have tried so hard to trust that God has someone for me. Trust that His will is perfect and I just have to be patient. To be completely honest, it isn’t easy. It is painful and some times debilitating. When I pray, I feel that the Lord isn’t listening or if he is (which in my heart of hearts I know he is) that he just wants to tease me…hang that preverbal carrot in front of me, just out of reach. I know that my God is not a god of spite, hurt, or games. I know that He has a plan for me. I know this but living it out when one the of the desires of my heart is marriage and the answer is ALWAYS wait hurts so very much.
I started thinking tonight “If marriage is not supposed to be my main focus or even in my thoughts, why even have marriage? Why have love at all?” Then I read your post, all the way through. The way you describe the reason God created marriage (as a picture of Christ and the church), having children (to show the Father’s love for us), and even friends (fellowship) was moving. It reminded me why God created love and marriage and children.
I just wonder when my turn is…if I will ever have a turn.
Thank you for your post.
Ali
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Alichar ,
Thank you for sharing your honest feelings. We are the same age and have had many of the same experiences or “nonexperiences” if you want to call them that.
Although I have been on a few dates in my life, I have never been in a relationship and don’t really see that changing anytime in the future. When I was in my 20s things were a bit easier. I was much more consistent in nurturing my relationship with God in those days, and I know being more intentional about seeking Jesus and truly believing He can satisfy all my needs can bring me back to a place of contentment. My struggle lies in wondering why other people get all those good things if the satisfaction is supposed to come from Jesus and yes, when my turn comes. The people I saw who were very discontent back in our 20s have now “achieved” those things that only started bothering me later. I know my feelings are wrong but those are the ones I have. Jesus has to be enough because that is the only option at the moment.
one of these days – maybe not until Jesus returns, I will finally get to see the big picture and rejoice with what Jesus did. I just pray that I don’t cloud the glory He is seeking to get from my life as it is now.
Oh, as an addendum and maybe advice for the other people in each of our lives. Please don’t try to encourage single people (or people discouraged about the absence of something in their lives) by telling them, “God will bring you a [spouse, promotion,etc] one day if you are just patient.” You can’t say that. He has not promised me a husband. What He has promised is to sustain me with sufficient and abundant grace and to complete what He has started in me.
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Ali,
Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable; I really appreciate it. I think that you have a beautiful heart that is seeking after the Lord, and that is the most precious thing in life. It is probably so hard and frustrating because there is almost a mentality of “I am supposed to marry,” or “I deserve to have kids,” in this society, and it often feels like your life have to look a certain way. But, my friend, the life being lived with Jesus is very different… God gifts us in different ways and with different things.. all out of His deep love for us. He is concerned with us being close to Him in any and every season He has us in. It can be frustrating, but my friend, listen to what your God says more than what the world says. AND He says, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6. Incline your heart to what He is speaking and singing over your life. May it be well with your soul in the peace of your Maker.
Feel free to email me at mysweetjesusblog@gmail.com if you have any prayer requests! Much love friend!
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Thanks for reblogging! Much love, my friend!
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I LOVE THIS. Trying so hard to lean into this truth, especially in the season of life I’m in!
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Liz, I am so glad that you love it! Yes, ME TOO! I know the struggle hahah! Thank goodness that He gives us grace on grace! Much love, my friend!
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My friend shared this on FB and it’s amazing to see that my worries and prayers are being answered. I had doubts. My mind is almost always full of doubt and it’s a struggle but this is Gods great timing. I was talking to my mom about this exact topic a couple of days ago. This is so encouraging and helpful. I really needed this. Thank you! Bless you!
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Celina,
YES my friend, God has perfect timing and He cares about YOU and your thoughts and your heart and your life!! I am so glad that you enjoyed this post, and I pray that the peace of Jesus would surround your heart today and always. Much love!!
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Having learned this, the hard way, I do not want anything if HE has not blessed it!
For me, should I remarry, it will all become a worship service! The trimmings do not hold as much desire as my desire to have communion with my betrothed and our witnesses. Worship music, thanking and praising our FATHER GOD because there is no one like Jehovah!
And a honeymoon trip to the HOLY land where the greatest display of Love was shown to the world would be the maraschino cherry on top!
You wrote beautifully, honestly and it spoke for many ladies hearts!
No doubt at all that GOD will bless you with a GODLY hunk of a man! Soon!
Be blessed!
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Sue,
Awh!! Wow that worship service and the honeymoon to the Holy Land sound so amazing!! Yes- it’s always best when it’s from God’s hand! Hahah THANK YOU- we will see! 😉 Much love to you!!
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Thank you for writing this! I’m in my 20s and felt guilty about not being super anxious for His return because I wanted to live my life and experience these things but you have reminded me that the whole point of life on earth is Jesus! And life with Him in Heaven will be so much sweeter than anything we could possibly experience here on earth. Thank you! Sharing with my friends and family.
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Christina,
So glad that you enjoyed the post and resonated with it!! Thank you for your sweet words- YES, may we fix our eyes on life with Him forever and ever!! Much love my friend!
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I needed to hear this. Thank you!
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Jordan,
God has the most perfect timing!! Much love!!!
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I would love to subscribe to your blog! This was wonderful!!!
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Awh, I am so glad that you enjoyed it!! ❤ Just shoot me an email or hit the follow button! Much love my friend!
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This! Oh my soul, it puts into words exactly how I feel! Thank you for writing this!
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So glad that you relate!!!! Thank YOU for your kind words! Much love my friend! ❤
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First, as a sister in Christ, I am praising God for the way He constructs the body of Christ (that is, the Church, Christ’s Bride), because each member, when acting in accordance with the head (Jesus Christ Himself), benefits the whole body! Thank you for your obedience to Him in using your talent of writing to communicate a word of encouragement-and help all your brothers and sisters fix their eyes on our Sweet, Strong Jesus-our Lord. As a hopeful writer, I am also so encouraged by your willingness to write and share! I love to see and learn from the talents of others, especially a sister in Christ like yourself who is shining brightly for the benefit of the Kingdom! Thank you for communicating that no daughter of God’s is alone in these desires, and that we are not left alone to change our hearts or renew our minds ourselves (thank You, Holy Spirit!). Such a sweet word of both conviction and encouragement. See you in the throne room when that our AWESOME KING arrives, my sister!
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Friend!! Yes!!! You have the dear gift of encouragement, among many others I am sure- but really, thank you for your sweet upliftng words!! Keep writing just for His glory, and everything will fall into place. God does not waste willingness, but rather is delighted in our openness to be used. Wait on Him. He is so worth every moment and every breathe and every word. Praying for His Spirit to fill you with words that show but a glimpse of His glory. Much love!!!
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Oh dear, this indeed made me shed a tear or two. This has been a struggle of mine for a long time… It’s so easy to focus on the things we can grasp rather than the things that require faith. Thank you for sharing this, it touched my heart tonight. Praying Jesus leads me closer to Him before He leads Mr.Right to me. After all I suppose without Jesus the rest of it becomes a bit of a burden rather than a blessing. Here’s to more Jesus time! 🙂 Gonna go pray about this now…
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Kendra,
GIRL I love your heart. Yes, may He lead us closer to Him before He leads someone to us. Amen! May we seek the Kingdom first, in all of it’s joy and splendor, and trust that everything else will fall into place. Much love my new friend!
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Reblogged this on The Gabby Blake Blog and commented:
I simply just love this.
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Much love my friend!! ❤
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Reblogged this on Kaitlyn Alexander and commented:
I absolutely love this post. These are thoughts I have all the time. I find myself praying, “Lord, I want you to come back soon, but not TOO soon. Not before I graduate, or before I get married, or have kids…” But that’s not the way it’s supposed to work. I need Jesus above all else, because He is the purpose behind all else.
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Kaitlyn,
Thanks for reblogging!!! I am so glad that you enjoyed this post and that you can relate!! YES- we need Jesus above all else- He is everything! I love your heart- keep running after Him- He is so pleased with you, my sister! Much love!
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Thanks for reblogging, my friend!! Much love!!
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I absolutely love this post. These are thoughts I have all the time. I find myself praying, “Lord, I want you to come back soon, but not TOO soon. Not before I graduate, or before I get married, or have kids…” But that’s not the way it’s supposed to work. I need Jesus above all else, because He is the purpose behind all else. Thank you so much for sharing, I will definitely be keeping up on your future posts (:
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Hi again 😉 Hahahah sorry I replied to your reblogging comment too!! Praying that we would keep our eyes locked on Him… because He is truly our deepest desire and greatest need!! Love you girl!
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Reblogged this on Purely Unorthodox and commented:
This is so real to me! Something I personally do struggle with as I love the gifts God has given to me.
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Thanks for reblogging, my friend!! Much love!! ❤
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