Hello,
this is my first day in this forum (I just found it), though, its my tenth day with love dare. I have follow every single day step by step, even in really bad days I have swollowed hard and kept on going.
In my relationship I have always tried to do my best, the difference is that now I got a manual (love dare) that makes me see that my best many times doesn't go the extra mile that it should. Probably I don´t belong in this forum due to the fact that Im not married, and all Im doing is for my boyfriend. I thought that the day I felt out of love with him I wasnt going to love him, I was wrong, I still love him with all my heart and soul, eventhough, I know Im not in the typical 'in love'. He used to be the man I wanted next to me for the rest of my life, and now I understand Im dealing with a true narcissist. Today's dare has shown me how unconditional love is. I really don't want to let go of everything we have been through. I wrote this because I really need some feedback. Is the love dare only meant for married couples? am I doing wrong? Is it not ok to try to make it work or should I keep going? I have always work very hard to get to the goals, and everytime I fall even on my knees I keep going, Im not a quiter, though, I do want to follow God's will even in dark days were I can't even see where Im stepping. Your advice and constructive criticism will be appreciatted.
Ps: all I can say about love dare is: its hard! harder than I thought :)
Chirley,
The dare is intended for married couples, but you can go through the days. It is not recommended that the dare that refers to the sexual needs be completed until you are married....
There is one important thing about the dare. That may help you understand what it really is. The dare, is a journey between you and Christ, not you and your significant other. This is a journey that lets Christ humble you and mold you to be a testimony to others around you.
In your post you talk about how you always try to do your best. You need to step back and take a look. Doing things your way got you here. Now it is time to let Christ take the lead in your life. Trust Him, and love Him first, so that you may love others better. This journey is a great way to open yourself to all that.
Continue on, and when you have a moment take a look in the appendix in the section about leading the heart.
Thanks Sean,
I appreciate your advised, I still haven´t gotten to the dare that refers to sexual needs and I do understand it is not mine to fulfill.
You mentioned that this is a journey between me and christ, I am trying to put myself in god´s hand, thought, I do confess I am a little skeptical. When praying, I find myself (if not to say my mind) questioning his existance or if he listens, I fight these thoughts or just ignore them. You might be wondering what am I doing in this forum then?... I want to do things the right way, and if I need God in my life to be better in all ways then let him come in. There are 5 things Ive always asked for (love, happiness, intelligence, wisdom and health), the main one is love, and since the only person that has awaken this feeling in me so profoundly is now kind of apathetical, I want it back. Watching fireproof has introduce in me a different perspective about love, and seems the best reason to fight for. I do not know how to start this journey between me and christ, Ill keep on working everyday and ask for his guidance till I get to see his signs...
Few things. Love... Prior to my journey I thought I knew what love was. But to be honest, I realized it was more just infatuation. When I accepted Christ in my life, everything changed. My wife and I, my marriage, just everything. Everyday has been better than the best day, including my wedding day since. I realized I was not able to love as God intended with out Christ. I thought I loved my wife unconditionally. But my selfishness was more certain than being unconditional. The dare changed that.
At times I questioned God as you do. But through my journey I have come to know God through Christ. I learned many things. I know that my entire life is a story, one that I must share with others, like yourself, to be the testimony that will open you to what Christ has to offer.
Without my trials and tribulations, I would never be able to be that testimony to you or anyone that I have been.
Happiness. I never knew what happiness was. I knew what satisfaction of my selfishness was. Which I was blinded into thinking was happiness. But now. It does not matter what is going on in my life, does not matter about how much money/ Nothing in the past or what the world believes to be happiness satisfies me. It is knowing Christ is always there. I have no burdens, I just leave them with Christ.
I remember not long after my changes with Christ, I was audited by the IRS. Not one worry. in fact things worked out like you never hear. But the entire time, I trusted Christ with it.
I learned that I am not God, and I cannot control anything and play God. I am to serve Him, and to do so, I must also serve others and be that testimony.