"The Day I Almost Settled — And What God Taught Me About True Love"
Welcome to Dear Emmanuela….
Where wisdom meets grace for your journey to lasting love.
Dear Friends,
There was a moment in my life — maybe you’ve had one too — when I almost settled.
I was tired of waiting. Tired of wondering if God had forgotten me. Tired of seeing everyone else post engagement photos and wedding pictures while I was still waiting for my turn.
Someone came along who seemed good enough.
They were kind. They said the right things. They checked some of the boxes, but when I thought about the dreams that I had for myself and the life I had envisioned I knew this wasn’t it. I tried to convince myself, but I knew. The tugging, unsettled feeling, the doubt, I believe it was the Holy Spirit.
I knew, and God knew.
I knew they weren't God's best for me. I knew that I would be settling.
I knew I would have to shrink parts of myself to fit into that relationship.
I knew my spirit wasn’t at peace.
I knew God could do more.
Still, the temptation was real: "Maybe this is as good as it gets."
But by the grace of God, I didn’t settle.
I chose to trust during the uncomfortable wait instead of rushing into a comfortable compromise.
And looking back now?
I’m so glad I did. The man God had for me, my husband now was so worth the wait. There are so many beautiful blessings when we wait on God. He blesses us in ways that we couldn’t have imagined, He gives us things that we didn’t even know we needed. We have to trust that God knows us, He created us and He knows what’s best for us.
In my season of waiting here’s what I learned — and what I want you to know too:
1. God’s Timing Is Always Best
Waiting isn’t punishment.
It’s preparation.
Every moment you spend growing in Christ, healing your heart, and learning to trust Him — He’s building the foundation for a love story that can actually stand the storms.
You’re not falling behind.
You’re being fortified.
2. True Love Will Never Ask You to Betray Who You Are in Christ.
The right person will not ask you to compromise your convictions.
They will celebrate them. They will honor them.
They will not diminish your calling.
They will champion it.
God’s design for love was always meant to strengthen you, not strangle you.
3. You Are Worth The Wait — Because God’s Love Story Is Worth the Wait.
You don’t have to force, chase, manipulate, or beg for the love God has for you.
What He has for you will find you at the appointed time.
It will be a love that calls out your best.
A love that makes you braver.
A love that looks like Jesus — full of truth, full of grace.
Friend, don’t settle. Not now. Not ever.
Not when you’ve come this far.
Not when the God who created the stars also handcrafted your heart with a plan and a purpose.
Keep trusting. Keep hoping. Keep guarding your heart — not with fear, but with faith.
God is still writing beautiful love stories.
Yours is one of them.
With faith in God for your love story,
Emmanuela Rodenberg
Author of How to Attract a Godly Husband
Minister of the Gospel
Certified Christian Marriage Coach
Christian Dating & Relationship Coach
Founder & CEO, Wives in Training International
P.S. Hit reply and tell me — what’s one thing you're praying for in your future marriage? I’d love to pray with you! 🙏
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