First dates can be nerve racking, so when they don’t go as planned, it can be extremely disappointing. Perhaps you thought he or she was the one. Or maybe you just expected to have more fun.

God puts people in our lives for a reason; whether for a season or longer, the people He places in our paths are meant to teach us something. Though your first date did not go the way you thought it might, have faith that it went exactly the way God planned.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV

Oftentimes we place high expectations on something we have been looking forward to. First dates can be exciting and sometimes we expect a lot from the event. God did not promise that we would never have disappointments or setbacks, but He did promise to give us the tools needed to overcome upsetting times.

It is how we view the world that reflects what kind of life we will lead. If you have faith in God, and faith that His plan is the divine plan, then you will walk with confidence and not suffer from disappointments.

Of course, this is easier said than done. We have human emotions and sometimes those emotions can overtake us. This usually causes us to over think things as well. Was the date a bad date or did it just not go the way you thought it might? Perhaps it was still a good time or there is the potential for a second date. Take a step back and pray about it.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. —Mark 11:24, KJV

Keep in mind that God answers prayers in His own way. He may not give us what we thought we wanted, but instead He will give us what we need. So while it may seem like God has not answered your prayer, ask yourself if what you want is God’s best.

It can be difficult to connect the two differences since we usually can’t see as far as God or think as large as He can give, but many times what we think we want is not actually good for us. Keep this in mind when you contemplate why your date did not go as planned.

And keep your eyes set to the Lord. Seek Him first and all else will fall into place.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. —Psalms 37:4-5, KJV

One of the best prayers we can have is to ask God to give us the life He wants for us, not the one we think we want for ourselves. Many times we have hidden desires: desires we do not tell others and desires we didn’t even know we had. Seek the Lord above all else and He will unlock those desires and bring them to pass.

That date you didn’t think went as planned? Was the desire the event, a good time out, the actual person, good company enjoyed, a mate or a potential spouse?

Maybe the date didn’t go as planned because God has something better in store for you. Perhaps God knows that your true soulmate is waiting for you. Maybe God just wanted to get you out of the house or He wanted to give you dating practice for when you meet the real love of your life. Perhaps God is testing you about giving people a second chance.

We may never know God’s true intentions. But we must learn to trust in Him fully so He can do His best works in our lives.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. —Jeremiah 29:11, KJV