Post 189 A

Is He My “Mr. Right?”

by my wife, Amanda Lee Bendixen

I had always considered the question of whom to marry as one of the most important decisions of my life—second only to the choice of Salvation. The decision would affect far more than just my partner and myself. Marriage irrevocably joins two individuals, as well as two families, and has the potential of impacting future generations. So, when a dashing and Godly young man named Barak Bendixen began pursuing my hand and my heart, I was keenly aware of the importance of my decision.

Everyone who knew Barak loved him, and all of our mutual friends would inform me regularly of what an incredible man he is; but still, I wanted solid confirmation from the Lord that this marriage was His will for us. I was wanting something unusual, something new, something amazing… something that would make me stop and think, Wow, this has got to be God’s will! A month or so into our courtship, the Lord impressed upon me the story of Elijah and made me realize that I was hoping to find God and discover His will in unrealistic ways.

“And, behold, the Lord passed by [Elijah], and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12). I realized I was looking for a lightning bolt experience, but God wanted me to listen to His still, small voice. In the end, the quiet voice of God led me to a decision using various Biblical principles that were established long, long ago.

1. Honoring Authority
Both Barak and I were seeking to remain under the protection of our authorities. Both sets of parents were honored throughout our whole relationship and pleased at the thought of us marrying. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:1-3). While my parents did not pressure me one way or the other, they made it clear that they were very much in favor of Barak as a potential son-in-law.

2. Spiritual Compatibility
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14). Both Barak and I are believers who desired to follow God with all of our hearts.

3. The Peace of God
Several times during our courtship, the two of us talked about the peace of God and marveled at how, with each new turn of events, God’s peace was so evident. It took me a couple months longer to come to a decision that it did for Barak, but the peace of God prevailed over any uncertainties. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). “For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Is. 30:15).

I was reminded of my favorite quote often throughout our courtship: “Peace is the fruit God uses to guide the quiet heart.” God knew what plans He had in store for us, and He was prepared to guide me in His way. I just had to quiet my heart enough to hear the still, small voice of God leading me through His principles to a wise decision. Now we are married, and our union is a blessing to both of our families and to dozens and dozens of others!

-Amanda Lee Bendixen

September 25, 2008

Here's some photo's of our honey moon! It was such a fabulous time for us. We traveled the West coast from Portland, Organ to central California...

My favorite scenery. Walked around this cove.

Found some nice creations

These flowers traveled with us throughout the trip, from Michigan, through the airport, on the plane, and all along the coast from Oregon to mid-California. We took a picture of them at the places we stayed.