Jimmy Evans - The Right One: How to Successfully Date and Marry the Right Person

Copyright 2015 Jimmy Evans.

Updated 2018. All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher, except brief passages for purposes of reviews. For information address MarriageToday

P.O. Box 59888

Dallas, Texas 75229

1-800-380-6330

or visit our website at www.marriagetoday.com

XO Publishing

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New American Standard Bible, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Other versions used are KJVKingJames Version. Authorized King James Version.

NIVScripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

When Jimmy Evans asked me to write the foreword for his newest book, I was not only honored, but eager to help out.

Im honored because I have so much respect for Pastor Jimmy and his teachings. Ive been privileged over the last ten years to serve under his leadership at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and have seen firsthand his fathers heart and pastors spirit. He is a leader of leaders, and a blessing to the body of Christ, and I couldnt be more honored by his request.

Im also thrilled to help out because I believe so strongly in the message of this book. Being a Christian single in todays culture can be a long and confusing journey, and one that each of us has to navigate on our walk of faith. Finding the right marriage partner is a difficult endeavor, and one of the most critical decisions many of us will ever face. The solid, no-nonsense advice that Jimmy and Frank relay in this book is not only welcome, but greatly needed.

For me, the timing of this book couldnt be more appropriate. Less than two weeks ago, I became engaged to the man of my dreamsto my best friend and fellow worship leader, Cody Carnes! Those who know Cody can attest to his tremendous faith and godly character. I cant wait to become his life partner and soul mate! He is truly the man of God that Ive been searching for, and I thank the Lord for bringing us together.

My journey toward finding The Right One was not an easy one. Before I found my husband, I dated good Christian men, but none ever felt quite right for me. Some years ago, I began dating a man that I was sure God wanted me to marry someday. On paper we seemed perfect for each other. We were both worship leaders, both pursuing a career in music, and both in love with Jesus. We had almost all of the same friends, and many common interests and dreams.

He was charismatic and a gifted musician, and I quickly fell in love with him. Though in many ways, I think I was more in love with the idea of being his wife, and doing ministry alongside him. In spite of my strong feelings for him, something in my spirit never quite felt at peace about our relationship. We loved each other deeply, but the more time we spent together, the more it became clear that our futures were not aligning.

Ive always known that God had a very specific calling on my life and ministry, and that calling was simply not in sync with the calling that he had on his life. We were headed in different directions, and the longer we dated, the more we realized that we were not meant to be together. So after nearly six years of dating, we decided to go our separate ways. I was thirty-one when we broke off the relationship, and it was probably the hardest thing God has ever asked me to do. But I knew I needed to be obedient. He knew it as well. So we parted as friends.

It was just a few months after that breakup that Cody began pursuing my heart, and my first reaction was to resist. He was a good friend, and I didnt want to jeopardize that friendship. So I kept him at arms length. My friends and family wondered why I was so hesitant, and my pastors would often say to me, Do you know what an amazing man he is? You two would be so good together! Yet still I didnt see it.

One day the Lord spoke to my spirit and told me to give Cody a chance, and so I did. Today I look back on that time and find it stunning that it took me so long to see what everyone else seemed to instinctively understand. The Lord opened my eyes and my heart, and today I couldnt be happier. I am engaged to the most wonderful man Ive ever met, and I know that God has brought us together for a reason. My spirit is filled with joy and excitement for our future together! We not only love each other deeply, but we have a clear and shared vision for our lives and ministry. We are truly meant to be together!

If there is one message Id like to relay to those who are still searching for a spouse, it would be this: dont allow yourself to get so caught up in the idea of marriage that you miss the voice of the Holy Spirit. Thats not fair to you, and its not fair to the people you date. When you fall in love with someone, make sure you love them for who they are, not what you long for them to be. And always remember; if you dont have the peace of the Holy Spirit, they are not the right one for you.

My prayer is that every single person would find the kind of blessed and fulfilling relationship that Cody and I have discovered. I long for every young woman to find a man as loving and devoted and perfect for her as Cody is for me. And for every young man to become such a person in order to attract the woman of his dreams.

Jimmy Evans and Frank Martin have that same longing, and theyve created one of the best resources Ive seen on finding and marrying the right person. Whether you are engaged to be married, in a serious dating relationship, or still single and looking for the right life partner, you will find timeless and biblical advice on the pages that follow.

The Right One is truly a godsend for those of us who need clear guidance and direction when seeking the person God has for our future.

When you are single, it is so easy to invest your heart and life in the wrong person. I know that truth firsthand. But dont allow yourself to fall into that trap. When Gods best is waiting for you right around the corner, it is a spiritual and emotional tragedy to settle for anything less.

Ive learned through this season that its so important to trust the Lord. He wants the best for each one of us, so trust him, and obey his voice quickly. If you do, he will guide you and help you find The Right One for you. Its a journey of faith for sure, and well worth it.

Regardless of where you are on your journey toward marriage, I encourage you to read this book slowly and deliberately, and even re-read those sections that speak most clearly to your spirit. Allow God to mentor you through these pages, and guide you as you seek his will for your future. Ive been so blessed by Jimmy and Franks godly wisdom and advice, and I promise you will be blessed as well.

Kari Jobe

Southlake, Texas

There are a few things you should know before you begin.