Reason #880

Don’t be afraid to get married. I know, you’re thinking that’s a weird statement. Why would you be afraid to get married? Marriage is exciting. A thrilling new adventure. There’s nothing to fear about getting married. Sure, some people are afraid of commitment, but this isn’t the crowd I’m talking to. I’m talking to you. To the one who has dreamed about her wedding day since she was a little girl. To the one who played it out over and over and over again in her head. The girl who went to every wedding and took mental notes as to what she would and wouldn’t do during her own big day. I’m talking to you, the girl who drew sketches of what her future wedding dress was going to look like. Who memorized all the words to the song she wanted played during her ceremony. The girl who is a hopelessly hopeful romantic at heart. You’re not afraid to get married. That’s actually what you want more than anything. In fact, your real fear isn’t about getting married, it’s about possibly never fulfilling that dream. But don’t be afraid, don’t be scared, and don’t let fear lead you into getting married.

 

I know, everyone is getting married. I have been there…twice. They’re having babies, too, but that’s a different story. I know exactly how you feel. You live in the bible belt, sister, and this is just how we do it. You meet a guy early on, you fall for him, and within no time at all you’re doodling his last name beside your first name. It’s love. It has to be, you think. He gives you his time and attention, spoiling you in ways you never imagined. But the truth is, you have nothing to compare it to. You were a good girl in high school which meant you were not dating material. You were passed up because there were girls who were more fun, who were prettier, and who were the life of the party…literally. But that’s not you. You’ve been holding out for him, praying for him, and you’re trusting that God is going to cross your paths sooner than later. And so there he is. All of the sudden, he is calling you. Pursing you as if you’re the hottest commodity out there. It’s relentless, and it’s all so new to you. The fact that someone would like you, the fact that someone would pay so much attention to you, make such a big deal about you, is an overwhelming feeling. This has never happened and so you hold on tight because you’re afraid to let it go. Afraid that if you do, that may have been it. You fully believe that you may never get that from anyone again, at least it seems that way according to your previous track record. And if you make the bold move to follow your heart rather than your dreams, you come to the realization that you very well may be risking your chance to ever live out the one thing you’ve wanted your whole life.  

 

Don’t be scared to get married. Don’t let the fear of the future, of rejection, of the unknown escort you down that aisle. Don’t think for one minute that you’re not worth the wait and that someone incredible is unwilling to wait on you. I know rejection hurts, trust me. I know the pain of a broken heart. I know the fear in thinking, “No one will ever want me.” But don’t you believe that. Sure, not everyone may want you, but the right man will. And he will want all of you, forever. He will want your good days and your bad days. The days when you look amazing and the days when you don’t. He’ll still want you on those days when you’re being frustrating and unreasonable, and he’ll want you on the days that you’re sweet as pie. Every day, he will want you. Every day, he will think you’re worth it. Perfect love drives out all fear, and although no one is perfect, although no one but the Lord can give you that perfect, fear-expelling love, his love will be a constant comfort to you as you know with all your heart that you’ll be living out your dream with him for the rest of your life.

 

So be brave. Be brave to wait on him. Who cares what everyone else is doing. Just because her Prince Charming showed up last year doesn’t mean that yours isn’t on the way. He’s holding out for you. You may feel like you’re kissing too many frogs, or maybe not enough, but guess what, so does he. And he isn’t going to stop on just any one, so don’t you do that, either. Don’t be scared to let go and wait for him. Don’t be afraid that you’re going to be too old, too this, or too that by the time he shows up. You’re going to be just right, that’s what you’re going to be. God is preparing him for you, God is preparing you for him, and when the prep work is complete, the timing will be impeccable. So hold your head high. You’re not passed up, sweet girl, you’re reserved. You have been set apart, set aside, just for him. And when he gets to you, you won’t care how long you’ve waited for him. Rather, you’ll be extremely glad you did.

 

So don’t be scared to get married. Don’t you ever act out of fear. You let your father, the man who has held your heart from day one, walk you down the aisle and give you away to the man who, you confidently know, is going to hold your heart with great care for the rest of your days. God will bring him. Don’t fret, don’t sell yourself short, don’t give in, and don’t give up. You, beautiful one, deserve only the best of the best, and how lucky he will be to have you.  

 

#880 - To be married without fear.

 

"Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." - Colossians 3:14