I’d Made an Idol of My Relationship, Then God Moved
Casey, 21, Delaware, USA
About 3 years ago, I met a man whom I thought was the love of my life. I didn’t look twice when we first met, but he quickly made his way into my life. He became my best friend and later, my boyfriend. He was everything I thought I wanted: God fearing, handsome, a musician. Smart, ambitious, funny, and outgoing. And, for whatever reason, he loved me.
But, after he proposed, things grew difficult. Now that we were committed, our differences had become glaringly obvious. These differences, coupled with the voiced opinions of others, began chipping away at our peace. On top of that, sin — including fornication, unbridled anger, and pride — entered our relationship. With each day, it became increasingly hard to stay afloat.
When we finally separated, I went through many different stages. I was depressed, angry, confused, and sad, at different times and sometimes, at once. I cried so much and pulled back from many of the people and activities I loved. Worst of all, I questioned God.
Once I got past my anger towards God, I was finally able to hear Him. His message was this: I am not to place His gifts above Him. I had placed my relationship with my fiancé over the Lord Himself. I’d made an idol of our love; in doing so, I’d stepped away from God. In allowing my relationship to fall apart, God had brought me back to Him! As I realized this, I developed a true, deeper love for the Lord. I began seeking after Him and His Word. And as I sought Him, He revealed Himself to me; He spoke to me through His Word, worship, and the loved ones who lifted me up and encouraged me through it all.
Since the “loss” of my relationship, I have had so much gain. God has provided for me in incredible ways and also given me the desires of my heart. I’ve been single for over a year now. It’s been difficult, but the Lord has shown me that this is an incredibly important season in my life. I’ve been learning so much about Him, myself, and those around me. And I know that God is faithfully shaping me for the person that’s been set aside for me.
God is in control. It might not always make sense to us, but we can trust that His plan and His timing are best!
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28