I was looking out the window at two majestic pine trees, standing 40 feet high against the backdrop of a dark blue twilight sky lit with a sunset of crimson and brilliantly mauve clouds. The pine boughs swayed slightly five gentle southern wins reminiscent of early spring captivated by this view I stopped by work and put my mop down to sit in a chair to rest and behold this beautiful site. My heart was flooded with the sure and awesomely joyful presence of my God. The verses I read in the Bible just the day before were brought to my mind so clearly:
…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:21
…I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. John 17:23
These two majestic pines appeared to be as one tree. Only the uppermost branches of each tree revealed two separate trees. Earlier that week Jim had suddenly confronted me with the idea of marriage in the distant future.
As I looked out at the two pine trees with God’s peace in my heart, I prayed that Jim and I would grow in Jesus together so as to become so close in ministry, purpose, and love as to appear as “one” -to the lost world, the body of Christ, and the angels in heaven (watching us prove God’s word). During that day before I went to work, I’d sought God earnestly in fasting, prayer, and his Word. I begged God to speak to my heart about His direction for this new crossroads in our friendship. I couldn’t believe anyone would want to marry me. I thought I was going to be single all of my life.
When I came home from work at around midnight, Jim was waiting for me on the porch. He handed me three roses and we walked together towards campus. As we were walking up some steps, Jim cleared the ice from them with his foot and then he held my hand so that I could walk safely up those steps. I was amazed. I had always been alone for so many years and now someone I cared so much about was taking care of me. As we walked onto campus, carrollin bells sounded from the bell tower. We saw a shooting star in the night sky. Jim held my hand. It was so new to me. Jim then brought up the possibility of ministry for the Lord in China or the Middle East after marriage. This was confirmation to me from the Lord. I was amazed.
S.T.R.O.N.G. Women 