Hi Carol and Decas.
I pray that God's will be done in both of your lives. I know how painful it can be.
In my case I don't think it was so much giving up a man that did not share my beliefs, but more giving up my heart's desire that was not centered on God. I knew without any doubt that God said no to being with a man I loved dearly. He was my heart's desire and God said no. I remember being in so much pain and thinking what a cruel joke it was for God to allow this in my life only to take it away. I cried a million tears and pleaded with God. He still said no. I was caught in the middle for a long time before God freed me to obey his will [in my life]. I gave up the idol of my heart and it has not returned. I have been alone for around 17 years and God has given me the ability to be content alone. This was God's will in my life. I was able to remain friends with this man and kept in touch over the phone. He was always there for me. He died 2 years ago.
So regardless of what was right or wrong or allowed or not allowed God said no and for me it had everything to do with an idol of my heart. I fought hard to keep my hearts desire, but God won. He always wins.
Another idol I have is wanting a home. Somewhere I can stay and be comfortable. I am 55 years old and have probably had to move 100 times. I have my new key to an apartment and will be moving again this week. It really kills me to be so unsettled, but I know this is God and I know why he is doing this. "Home" is an idol of my heart. It is not as bad as it used to be, but its still there. I am not yet content in all circumstances.
Philippians 4
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Mark 10
25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
28Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Philippians 3:7-9
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.