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Dear Rachel,
I'm the only youth in the church. I ask my friends to come but they say "I'm busy" or “I have my own church to go to" or "my parents won’t let me." What do I do?
Also, it’s hard to meet guys that are in the church and love God like I do. If I date someone out of the church I'm scared that he might lead me out of church. Can you help me?
One more thing I like this guy Freddy. He is 23 and I’m going on 16 in July. Do I tell him I like him or do I wait for a little; or should I just not tell him at all, and try to stop liking him?
Thanks with love,
Only Teen
Dear Only Teen,
God sees where you are and He cares so much for you (1 Peter 5:7). He knows when you feel alone and He tells you to cast all of your cares on Him because He cares for you. Have you prayed that God would meet your friendship need? He might be opening doors for new friendships you aren't aware of yet. Remember Proverbs 18:24 and know that you have a friend who is the absolute Friend of friends!
Pray that your church will grow. Go to rallies and other church functions. Make some pen pals from another church. You are very young and have your whole life ahead of you to make these serious decisions, so love the Lord and have fun living for Him.
Trust Jesus in everything—as a young lady, especially with boys! “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Don't be afraid to be specific and let you know that your requests.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
Trust God to bring the right young man into your life at the right time. God has told us He knows the number of the hairs on our head. He is concerned about something we consider so small, so He is also interested in larger decisions such as dating and relationships.
God has requirements for relationships and one is that the young man is a believer. If I know God doesn't want me to date an unsaved young man and I do that regardless, that's sin to me. Read James 4:17. God gives us guidelines to protect us and if you follow His guidelines, He will help you guard your heart.
As for the young man, God wants us to exercise wisdom in our decisions. Sometimes, our hearts are attracted to a person for a thousand different reasons. He may have godly traits but that doesn't always mean that we should pursue the attraction. There are several things to consider—for instance, the difference in age and the different places each of you are in life.
More than likely, at 23, the young man is working or in university while you are still in high school. It is important to have balance in relationships. I read that if I have to ask if I should or shouldn't do something, God is dealing with me not to do it. I think you already know what you should do as you presented it even if it's not the favorite option. Just don’t tell him at all and try to stop liking him. Pray about how your heart feels and even hurts; I promise God is able to help in every area! My advice is to date young men closer to your own age.
You're a lovely young lady with a lovely heart and remember, pray about everything.
In Christ,
Rachel
