Emily & Petri May 8, 2012
What took place in those 3 years is a modern day story of Gomer and Hosea. God delivered me from drugs, alcohol, and eating disorder, and self mutilation. I had 2 years clean when we met. I thought I was completely ready for a relationship. However, I was unaware of a deep hurt from my past bubbling below the surface. God used my husband to show me God's unconditional love for me. Petri waited for me. --for 3 years, while I tried to run and dated other people....still he waited. He was a friend to me and listened to me after each failed relationship I tossed myself in ---all in the hope of running from this deep pain of past abuse.... I tried to run away. I tried to push him away....but he was not moved. He never once bothered me, but every time I reached out, he was there. This baffled me. I had never encountered a man who didn't take from me and hurt me....and it took 3 years to finally believe that Petri was different.
I often ask him, "Hunny....why did you wait for me?? why did you take me back after I dated other guys?? How could you possibly love someone as damaged as me?" --and he smiles ( and I'm sobbing as I write this) --and he says, " because you are beautiful, you are my Beloved. Em, 3 years ago God told me in prayer that you were the one---even when your actions told me otherwise....and I trust in the voice of my Father above all else." wow....
Thank you Father God for blessing me with this man!! Next to my salvation, my husband is the best gift I have received......and I do not deserve either one....but I thank God that He does not act based on my worthiness but upon His Holiness.
We are writing this to give glory to God.
" Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him." -Lamentations 3:22-25
We encourage each of you on this site to WAIT for Him....and to seek Him first. Sometimes the person is right, but the timing is wrong. In our case, it took 3 years, MUCH prayer, time in the Word, and Godly counsel. WAIT ON THE LORD....Fall in love with Jesus....then HE will bring you the desires of your heart.