Relationship Answers Pt.2
Did you have a gut feeling that your ring was on the way and God telling you to prepare for marriage?
Yes and no. Toby and I had already been together for six years and had been talking about marriage for about a year and a half (when we decided to court; See our story here). So while I knew marriage was definitely the end goal, I had no clue when it was going to happen... until a few days before. As far as preparation before the ring, all I was instructed to do was wait patiently on God and continue to grow my relationship with Him. I also tried to cultivate habits that I knew would be helpful in my marriage such as making sure to be more tidy with my room and car. I also read a whole bunch of books, such as Prepared to be His Help Meet, and sites, such as Peaceful Wife, on being a godly wife. But at the end of the day, nothing truly prepares you for the ring 100 percent!
My question is that during your courtship period with Tobias, did you experience any doubt or question whether it was God's will? And how were you sure that this was God's will for you?
Um, YES! If you know our story (see previous paragraph for link), then you'd know that it is far from a fairytale and that we didn't honor God for most of our relationship. I struggled a lot with believing we would work out. I was terrified that I would be out of God's will and be led by my emotions instead. Finally, I had to go to God and beg Him that if it was not in His will for us to be married that He shut the door and make it impossible for it to ever open again. I seriously prayed that for months, ya'll. I was finally sure it was God's will because He never shut that door (even when I tried) and I could see so much growth in our individual relationships with God. It was crazy!
Did you get backlash from people, family and friends maybe, who didn’t agree with your courtship because of the past and if so, how did you push past that and be led by God?
Oh most definitely, although it came during our engagement. During the courtship, we had a lot of support. However, as soon as that ring was on my finger, people weren't so supportive and loved to throw in our faces the fact that we've broken up twice. We had to really seek a God and be in prayer during this time. Since we kept God at the center of our relationship during the year and a half that we courted, we already knew we were supposed to get married. We just prayed on the time we should get married and for the strength to not the backlash get to us.
Well, those were all the questions. I hope this helped you get to know Toby and me a little bit more. If you didn't see your questioned answered, or you thought of another one, feel free to email me anytime at tgregor09@gmail.com.