When Two Testimonies Meet: Steve and Brenda's Journey to Freedom and Joy Part 1

What happens when two people with completely different life experiences, who have both grown in their faith over the years, meet? In Part 1 of When Two Testimonies Meet: Steve and Brenda’s Journey to Freedom and Joy, Steve and Brenda share their individual stories. They come from very different backgrounds: one has grown to seek a Godly spouse to share their life with, while the other finds contentment in how God has guided them through life’s obstacles.Steve's testimony begins with the death of his father at the age of seven. After experiencing such a loss, he felt a sense of abandonment when his mother dedicated herself to doing what’s best for his future and enrolled him in a boys' school. He reflects on his adult journey of college, military service, and forming commitments to marriage and family, all while lacking a true sense of having a place to call home.  Brenda’s story is quite different; she grew up as a preacher’s kid, experiencing stability by living in the same community all her life and naturally being devoted to her husband and children.Brenda found contentment in her role as a wife and mother. As a widow, she shares how she remained content throughout the grieving of losing her husband, never being overpowered by a pursuit of another relationship. Although she was open to a relationship, she never felt overwhelmed by not having one.At the age of 28, Steve shares how he recognized discouragement within himself and shares his thoughts, “Getting up every day for the rest of my life and going to work, getting off work and coming home, and then having to be a husband and father to three children. It wasn’t a bad life, but I didn’t see a purpose.”Have you ever wondered how a weekend father deals with separation from his children? Or, if a bad ending to a marriage affects the ex-husband? Listen to Steve’s heart as he shares his pain, tears, and prayers, along with the lessons he has learned.While Brenda was grounded in her faith throughout her journey, Steve explains how he discovered the difference between having head knowledge vs having Jesus in his heart. Do you recognize the difference? If so, you may recognize the three things he experienced freedom from after his prayer of surrender: guilt, shame, and burden.Brenda never ran after marriage, and Steve was used to running ahead of God when it came to relationships. However, when he began to pray for a Godly woman to come into his life, God brought him Brenda.In this episode, you will hear about Brenda’s strong and steady lifestyle filled with contentment, and you will delve into the heart of a weekend dad. Steve also shares his heart when he discovered what a marriage is, both with and without God. He explains that he used to try to bring God into the midst of a marriage, rather than beginning the marriage with God. Do you ever question when to bring God into a relationship?This episode serves as the backdrop to Part 2. Together, these episodes are shared for listeners who seek freedom and joy in adventure and relationships. And who yearn to be content in singleness while refusing to engage in a relationship that is not God centered.  Join us for Part 2 when Steve and Brenda share how they met, details of their dating phase, what Steve learned from Brenda’s boundaries, and when she discovered Steve’s name.Music by ShtakalBerry via PixabayThe opinions expressed by guests may not reflect those of the Single Christian Women Speak Podcast.