I really enjoy looking back sometimes. Looking back usually shows you how you’ve moved forward. I write a blog, keep a journal and write down prayer requests. Then I can look back and see how God has worked in my life. It’s amazing, actually.

Three years and three days ago, here’s what I wrote:

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Discouragement

I was reading my daily devotional this morning, a little dismayed about something significant only to me. You don’t need to know what that is, for it isn’t that important to the story. What is significant is the statement that arrested my attention: Do not get discouraged–it may be the last key on the ring that opens the door. I’ve been trying quite a few “keys” to open the door. And they haven’t worked!

That statement told me, though, that I need to keep trying the keys until the lock clicks open! It may take the rest of my life, but that’s ok. I’m not opening the locks without my loving Savior with me. He’s there when I hurt and when I’m happy. He’s there when I’m trying to push the key in the lock and it doesn’t fit. He loves me and wants only the very, very best for me.

So I will keep trying the keys on the ring. But not alone.

I don’t remember the circumstance that Thursday in May. I do know that in my widowed state, I was wishing for a husband. I’d been dating various men, but for different reasons, they weren’t the right person. I was being much more cautious, for I’d been burned with a hoped-for relationship—even engaged to be married–but he broke it off. I was hurt and disappointed. Even embarrassed someone didn’t want to be with me. Pride sometimes gets in the way of seeing things clearly. Yet, now I know that break-up was the right thing  for me. It took some time to heal from the sting of rejection and loss. I realized I needed to forgive and look forward, not backward. I began dating again looking more carefully at character and personality. Little did I know that on September 4, 2013, a little more than three months later, I’d meet someone—the right key on the ring!

In my case, God provided him. There’s no doubt in my mind Jim is the right man for me. And that God brought us together. The key on the ring fit the lock.

“What about me?” you ask. “I want to meet someone. Why isn’t God bringing a man into my life?”

I don’t have a definitive answer for you but I will tell you, Jesus will be there with you. He’s there when you hurt and when you’re happy. He’s there when you’re trying to push the key in the lock and it doesn’t fit. He loves you and wants only the very, very best for you.

So keep on trying the keys in the ring. But do it with our loving Savior beside you. Trust Him to guide you. With someone or without. Ask Him. Remember, it may be the last key on the ring.