“God does not waste pain“
I heard this quote on a podcast I was listening to recently and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I remember very vividly deciding that I’d get another dog, go hard in music and writing and settle for the single life after the split from my ex. I was so shattered and emotionally broken from the demise of that relationship that I’d given up on desiring companionship altogether. Until this very moment I’ve never told anyone outside of my mom that God had already spoken to me about when I’d be married. With this knowledge as you can imagine, much of my pain and grief after my last relationship was self-inflicted. I was 26 when God told me I’d get married at 32.
I KNEW my ex wasn’t the one. I was determined to make him the one when all of the signs pointed elsewhere.
I KNEW I was going to get married at 32. God said it and that was it. PERIODT! I couldn’t deny it but because of my persistence I tried my best to ignore and change it.
I KNEW that what I desired required trust and patience. Yet I (in normal human fashion) thought that I knew better and I thought that God’s timing was to far off for my goals.
BUT GOD didn’t waste my (self-inflicted) pain. In spite of my disobedience He STILL gave me everything I desired and then some in my husband.
BUT GOD made good on His word. He kept His promise and did not waiver regardless of whether or not I believed Him. GOD CAN BE TRUSTED!
This marriage thing runs deep for me because I understand how deep and important family is to God. No, Daryl and I are not perfect people but we are the ones God kept for one another and we are on one accord in our desire to honor God. That is why from the beginning of our relationship we planned for marriage and NOT just the wedding day.
I was blessed to talk with my friends over at The Black Wedding Podcast by Hue I Do about how we prepared for marriage. Check out my interview and be sure to subscribe to this much needed space for black brides. You can also shop for all your bachelorette and bride tee needs including my “Glory” tee with &, Love Co.
Daryl is EVERYTHING my dad taught me to look for and EVERYTHING I desired in a husband… and then some.
I pray that my story inspires you to TRUST GOD with your heart and that you honor Him in the institution (created by Him) by not getting caught up in the hype of wedding planning but planning to have a long, happy marriage that brings glory to His name.
Love, Jenise La Vonne
