47 years ago today, I almost married the wrong man.
Our invitations had been printed, inviting family and friends to an afternoon wedding on September 1, 1973 in Sabina, Ohio. Peach colored bridesmaids’ dresses, black groomsmen’s tuxedos were on order. My wedding dress was hanging on a closet door in my apartment. Everything for the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception had been ordered, awaiting the occasions.
All the plans were made!
…except for one thing. One Sunday afternoon, just six weeks before the wedding, he and I sat on the floor of my living room and got real with each other. We knew we loved each other, but there was some confusion on both our parts, and we had to admit that we didn’t love each other enough to stay together the rest of our lives! After several hours of talking, and tears shed by both of us…we decided we couldn’t get married. It was a mutual decision. It was a decision that was best for both of us. You see, neither one of us had invited Christ to have control of our lives. We went to church when it was expected of us (when we were visiting my parents or his over the weekend). But Jesus had no part of our lives, together or individually.
It was a few weeks after that Sunday afternoon decision, I visited my parents at Camp Sychar, the camp meeting I’ve attended all my life. Dr. Dennis Kinlaw, president of Asbury College at that time, was there that day. He had lunch with my parents and me, asking what my future plans were. I chattered a little about singing in coffee houses and working my third year at a job that was okay. Not great, but okay. Just after saying goodbye to my parents, he turned and asked me a question I couldn’t answer. “Just what is it you’re looking for, Beth?”
Simple enough question. But I couldn’t answer it. I’d been doing lots of things, working that full-time job for the state of Ohio, and a part-time job as cashier at a popular Italian restaurant in Columbus, singing folk music in any coffee house that invited me, and not one single thing brought me joy. I made money to pay my bills with a little left over, but that was all I had to show for it. I just looked at Dr. Kinlaw and honestly said, “I don’t know.” He patted my shoulder and said he’d pray that I’d find it, then walked away.
Seven hours later, during the evening service, I couldn’t wait for the preacher to stop preaching so I could go to the altar! I knew I needed Jesus. I’d talked a good game for years, went to church (when I had to), tried to be good. But that night, the place in my heart that could only be filled by Jesus, was a gaping empty hole! I practically ran to that altar! My daddy and his best friend – another dear pastor, Dale Riggs – came to me and prayed with me as I asked the Lord to change me, fill me, and help me. I finally said a strong Yes to Jesus that night and I’ve never looked back!
All this is significant as I tell you this: there were circumstances that had to fall into place for me to be where God would bring Joe and me together.
While I was planning and calling off a wedding in 1973, Joe was taking a summer semester Greek class.
While he was at home packing up to go back for his last year at Asbury Theological Seminary – I was stepping out in faith and leaving Columbus, Ohio to live with my sister for a while until I knew what God wanted me to do.
While I was telling my parents I’d never marry a preacher, God was setting me up to meet Joe Green six weeks later.
While I didn’t always attend, I was at an evening service at Wilmore UMC when Joe walked in with a bunch of girls from the college. After that service, he put the girls in his car and came back in and found me. He said, “You’re Vangie’s sister. You sing. I’d like to hear you sometime. Why don’t you sing for your supper tomorrow night!”
That was it. Three months later we got married. I don’t recommend that for everyone but it’s worked out well for us for 46 years!
There are a lot of other things that seemed like coincidences but when we’d look back we realize they were God’s way of getting us both in His Will. God had His hand on both of us! We may not have been aware of it at the time, but He had plans for us! Together! Thanks be to God!
Don’t ever wonder if God cares about every aspect of your life, dear ones! He does! And there are promises of His goodness, mercy, grace, and care all through His Word. Get into it and find out! You’ll never be the same after you’ve said a strong YES to Jesus Christ! The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are moving together as One to guide your life!
Give your future to Jesus!
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
God bless everyone reading these words! I love y’all, and that’s why I wanted to share this personal story with you. I know it’s long, but I’m praying it will give you hope and confidence in The One who holds you in the palm of His hand!
