I'm passionate about relationships. I get totally jazzed when a friend goes on a first date or announces their marriage. We are meant for the sweetness of relationship-and dating is no exception. The Lord has created us FABULOUSLY, and at our core is an innate, though sometimes ignored, sense thatanything worthwhile takes action. Are you really believing that? That dating will require steps of faith on your part? I'm passionate about relationships. I get totally jazzed when a friend goes on a first date or announces their marriage. We are meant for the sweetness of relationship-and dating is no exception. The Lord has created us FABULOUSLY, and at our core is an innate, though sometimes ignored, sense that anything worthwhile takes action. Are you really believing that? That dating will require steps of faith on your part? As Christians, every aspect of our lives should be distinct and even dating has God written all over it. As we know, God asks his people to be available and willing-setting the tone for our obedience and His faithfulness to show up. via Think of any aspect of your life: a ministry, relationship, job, or education journey. Did you see any of it come to fruition sitting on your toosh at home hoping for something to happen? HECK NO! The Lord moved in your heart, spurred you to a step of faith, and He unsurprisingly showed up. Am I advocating women to take a man's role and lead in dating? Nope. But I believe women are required to act humbly, confidently, and faithfully doing as God nudges and obeying His Word for all your steps. Look at these examples of action-oriented verses in the Bible: Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9 These are not necessarily specific to dating but surely are applicable to this life area. Well what action CAN I take you might ask? Consider talking to older godly women or families and sharing that you are open to dating. They will most likely be able to connect you with legit, Jesus-loving men your age to begin friendships or open up dating possibilities. Place yourself in social situations where you will meet marriage-minded men: church, Young Adult ministries, Sports ministries, restaurants with groups of people, get togethers with friends, or work parties. The possibilities are endless and natural relationships will blossom from these settings. Beside sharing your desires to date and placing yourself in social settings where relationships can bloom-PRAY! God moves when we seek His will so ask Him for wisdom about where to spend your time, which relationships to pursue, and where He might have you each and every day. Passivity or a longing to date but no responsibility taken just won't do here. God is a God of action, relationship, and perseverance. Like any other aspect of your life, dating requires something of you. Of course this is not a perfect dating post-there many uncovered, important dating aspects like intentions for dating, boundaries, etc. But those can be posts for another time. For now lean on this verse spurring us on to God and lives of faith and action, even in dating: You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 About Carly Carly is a husband-swooning, health-inspired, simplicity-loving, Jesus-follower. She and her hunky husband Ryan adventure wherever the Lord takes them and most recently that has been into the often scary world of chronic illness. She also writes on her personal blog and at Reaching For Fringe, a resource for chronic illness and marriage. Very nice to meet you! Sharing this article over at these awesome blogs.
6 Comments
Tracy
2/11/2013 04:36:07 am
I've never heard this kind of take on Christian dating. I've always heard "wait on the Lord"...but you reminded me that you can take action and responsibility while waiting and hearing His will! Thanks sister, this blessed me right now!
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Wahoo Tracy I am very encouraged by that!!! Of course we must act in God's time and by the leadership of the Holy Spirit but our God never asks us to be passive, so why would dating be different? I believe there are action oriented steps inspired by scripture that single ladies can be living out if God has called them to marriage.
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Laurie
2/13/2013 02:06:50 am
Hi Carly! How are you?:) Thank you so much for this post! I have never read or heard this kind of Christian dating advice.This makes sense though since it is in line with God's heart of not being passive but taking action in all areas of life.Convicting and encouraging,thank you for sharing this valuable info & take on Christian dating.
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I am often discouraged because I AM social person and I do seek situations in which I meet Godly marriage-minded men, and have come across many of them in my quest, but none of them seem to notice me in return. That's where I'm most frustrated. THAT SAID, i feel like lately (or for like, the last three years), God has been saying I need to step out of my comfort zone and maybe be open to things I haven't been open to before. I'm still feeling out what that is, but I know God's trying to teach me through the process. I'm hoping to be more "proactive" in whatever that means...
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Hi Danielle!
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