Here YLCF reader Vanessa Sugar beautifully summarizes some of the lessons she has learned, the blessings she has found, in a long-distance relationship:
The distance is difficult, but the reunion is sweet. I am very familiar with the pains, but also the blessings. It is so providential that Cory and I are apart throughout our engagement (I’m finishing my bachelor of education 7 hours from home, and him).Every morning in our devotional and worship time, the Lord fills me up with His word, and the reminder that I’m at home when I’m in Christ, no matter where my man is. This has really helped Cory and I in terms of keeping our eyes fixed on our first love. For someone like me, as a confirmed romantic for all my life, it was tempting for me to rely on Cory for only what the Lord can give me. It is easy for me to allow my love for Cory to become my priority before the Lord. The distance does help me establish a correct posture and order of priorities in which to enter into marriage.
In the same vain, Cory has always been such an encouragement in my walk with the Lord. He truly is a model of Christ’s selfless love to me, and he causes me to bow down in humble thanks that the Lord would bless me with such a man. Even still, putting the Lord before Cory is definitely one of many lessons I have had during this bittersweet season.
Truly though, the Lord does all things well. It is according to His good plan that we are separated and for that I am thankful that my Heavenly Father always does the best for me and for His glory.
Though I am not going through what you two plucky girls are, our father is still finding His way two supply me in the ways I wish a certain person could. You girls are an encouragement; thank you for sharing this with us in the midst of your pain.
Gretchen, its good to have you back.
My dear sister Gretchen, I feel for you in this situation. My (now) husband and I met at college, so we had those long vacations apart during our courtship and engagement. They really did seem long at times! But God blessed us so much – phone conversations and long email discussions, especially about those Old Testament subjects he understood so much better than I did. It helped in fighting lust and helped us realise just how much we treasured each other. God saw fit to provide us with hardships of heart and health before we were married, and although it was still a big adjustment (naturally!), we knew we could weather hard times with the strength of Jesus our Rock and Saviour.
Fear not, dear one, for our God is an awesome God, and in Him all things work together for the good of those who love Him!
oops just noticed that I wrote Gretchen instead of Vanessa! Though I guess it still applies – to anyone in a long-distance relationship!