It almost feels like yesterday that I was a teenager, but the calendar assures me that it was much longer. Those confused thoughts and mixed feelings are still vivid in my memory. Part of the time, I was determined I would not get married, then at other times handsome guys caught my eye and l would wonder if that was really the right choice. Yet, one miserable fear troubled me. If or when I got married, I felt God would provide a husband that was “good” for me, just like an unpleasant medicine is. I felt destined to marry someone old, bad-looking and boring. Perhaps he would be like one of the men who were interested in me. I struggled to trust God with these doubts hanging over me.

The struggle worsened. Something had to give, and subconsciously, I knew what it was. I had to give all my fearful thoughts and feelings to God. Sinking to my knees, I whispered a painfully honest prayer. I relinquished my will to God. I gave Him permission to change my heart. Ever so slowly, I began to perceive God’s genuine love for me; I realized He wanted me to be happy also. Passages from Psalms 34, 37 and Proverbs 3 lifted my doubting spirits. My mental energy was now channelled into reading and seeking to understand more of my heavenly Father.

Growing out of your teens is such a challenging time. It’s the time when you are trying to figure out who you are and what life is about. It’s also the time when you have to make the biggest decisions—gaining independence behind the wheel, choosing a career, and thinking about a life partner are just a few of the challenges.

Then also there’s the new-found sense of freedom which made “living it up and enjoying myself” more tempting. I felt that pull. But one thought, like a magnet, would always refocus my wandering wishes: Today’s wild oats will grow a wild harvest. (Galatians 6:7.)

A smile involuntarily crept across my face as I glanced back in my mind’s eye, upon the positive harvest. I have gone through my share of difficulties, but my anchor has been my commitment to God, allowing Him to guide me to the right young man!

In the last few days before the turn of the century into the new millennium, we had just arrived at the week-long youth convention in Sydney. Anticipation and excitement ran high among the young people. The campground was buzzing with activity and enthusiasm. During the convention, we were going to collectively portray our impressions of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

During the youth convention I noticed Nathan. He was a handsome, fun, energetic young man who was on fire for God. I noticed he sat near the front and took notes in the meetings. Yet, in a moment of honest reflection, I realized that although he had stood out to me, he likely wouldn’t even notice me, so I determined not to think of him anymore. After all, I had consciously decided not to be a flirty “in-your-face” kind of a girl.

After the youth convention, my sisters and I attended a two-week summer school program. I enjoyed the lectures and appreciated the skills I learned there. During this time, I was able to see more of Nathan’s character, and I was smitten. Failing to put him out of my mind, I redirected my thoughts into prayers, not once a day, but three or more times a day. “If it is your will Lord, please would you make it happen? If not, take him from my mind.”

The summer program was over, and we parted ways. I continued to pray. Prior to meeting Nathan, I had planned to go to the United States to complete a component of my Health Science degree there. Three months passed between that momentous youth convention and my first overseas flight. I was scheduled to start an Internship at a Lifestyle Center. Providentially, and unknown to me, I would be seeing Nathan every Sabbath. Although we had not communicated for three months, we became casual friends. We began writing weekly emails. Once, I checked daily for his email, but for a few weeks no reply came. “Did he like me or not, I wondered.” I shared this pain and uncertainty with God and again surrendered my hopes to Him. I let go of my hopes and surrendered my dreams to Him several times.

Nine months passed. They were filled with prayer for each other as our casual friendship continued to grow. One day, I was visiting the home where Nathan lived with the local minister. I was finishing cleaning the kitchen, when Nathan walked in and asked if we could talk. My heart skipped a beat. Duty bound and nervous, I first finished what I was doing, then sat down with him at the kitchen table. The son of the family came by and, when he saw us sitting across the table from each other, he suddenly decided he must iron his school clothes right there in the same room. Nathan offered to do his ironing for him if he would give us some private space. In shock, the young man raced out and told his dad he had figured out in whom Nathan was interested!

Nathan asked me if I was interested in him. In a state of shock and shyness, I admitted he had been in my prayers for nine months. This was the first time we talked about our interest in each other. The next morning, I had to catch another flight to the other side of the country where I would work in a clinic. I treasured those weekly emails more than ever before.

After a few months, I returned back to the east coast. Nathan’s parents invited me to their home where I stayed for a few weeks. While I was there, I began observing everything in earnest. No rose-coloured glasses for me! How did the family members treat each another? Especially, how did Nathan treat his mother? He wasn’t present the whole time I was there. But on one of his visits home, he told me he loved me. Thrilled and startled, I instantly knew I loved him too. A few weeks later, he assured me, “It’s not if we’ll get engaged, but when we’ll get engaged.” He asked me to pray about that “when” part. We consulted trusted mentors for counsel and guidance.

Some time passed and the next thing I knew, my best friend was on bended knee. My shock was followed by joy. All my fears were gone. We had approached our relationship cautiously and had been seeking God at every step. As a result of getting to know each other thoroughly, we knew we were compatible and on the same page regarding the important questions. We had common views on spiritual things, finances, health, where we would live, and how we viewed true education. Both of us had a love for people and an interest in their salvation. These mutual views solidified our relationship. Our separate dreams harmonized perfectly.

In the short time before my return to Australia, we made another decision regarding our relationship. We would save all physical aspects in our relationship for marriage. The following year was filled with reading Adventist Home together and with wedding preparations. I often felt like pinching myself in wonder at the way God had brought us together. Such a perfect Matchmaker was our God!!! He gave us the most delightful, pure romance, next to which, the world’s version pales in comparison.

During the two years of our relationship we saw a beautiful pattern emerge. We were seeking God first, enjoying a time of friendship and also sharing our spiritual journey together. Once we were engaged, we then opened our hearts and emotions to each other more freely. At the culmination of our journey, we made our marriage solemn vows, at the altar, in front of God and our family and friends. It was there that we had our first kiss.

The calendar tells me, it has actually been 18 years now since that day. The principles we came to appreciate in our youth still guide us. Throughout these years, we have attended and been involved in many weddings. It’s those couples that had built their marriage on a sure foundation that we feel the most hopeful about. For, although all weddings are happy, not all marriages are. Although it is rarely too late to choose the right foundation, it is much easier to begin with it. We can testify that God’s principles truly work. We look forward to growing old together, following God’s plan for our life, as long as time lasts.

This is our story. It is a unique story of how God had led us. It is not a formula or a pattern to follow. Your story will be different, but just as special. As you follow God’s leading and His principles, I believe, you will also discover that He is the perfect Matchmaker!