1 True Talks

Becoming "The One" Before Finding "The One"

Renee Richel

Ever caught yourself thinking "I'll be happy when I find the right person"? That mindset might be holding you back from the very relationship you're seeking. In this powerful season 6 opener, we're shifting focus from married couples to singles, dating couples, and newly engaged listeners with a truth that changes everything: before finding "the one," you must become "the one."

The search for lasting love isn't about scrolling harder on dating apps or lowering your standards—it's about becoming whole in Christ first. Looking at Adam's story in Genesis reveals God's blueprint: purpose before partnership, identity before intimacy. Your waiting season isn't a punishment or oversight—it's intentional preparation where God heals past wounds, shapes your character, and refines your unique purpose.

Many singles put their lives on pause, thinking marriage will suddenly provide joy, discipline, or direction. But relationships don't create these things—they magnify what's already present. Start building your life with God now. Take the trip. Develop good habits. Grow spiritually. Your waiting season isn't a holding pattern—it's a launch pad for everything God has planned. When feeling forgotten while scrolling through engagement announcements, remember Psalm 31:15: "My times are in your hands." You're not behind; you're being set apart for something extraordinary. Trust God's timing and storyline, His plot twists are always better than our shortcuts.

Whether you're single, dating, or recently engaged, join me each week for practical wisdom on navigating relationships God's way. Subscribe, share with friends and send your questions for future episodes. The journey to finding love starts by first becoming the person God created you to be.

Support the show

Renee Richel:

Hi, I'm Renee Richel, the founder and president of 1 True Match. I'm here to help you find and cultivate the love of your life. For over a decade, I've dedicated my life to the importance, purpose and dynamic of human relationships. My team and I are disciplined by faith, love and integrity to help our clients find the quality relationship they've always dreamt of. Each week, I will be sharing the tools and tips I've learned that have rooted my success as a matchmaker with other leaders around the world. Hello, loves, welcome back. I hope you've had a powerful week and I'm excited to kick off our brand new season for our dating and engaged couples. Now, if you've been with us through our marriage season, first of all, thank you. What a powerful journey it's been. But now we're shifting gears. We're going to start talking about single dating and, just recently, saying yes to that ring. This season is for you.

Renee Richel:

Today's episode is called Becoming "he One Before Finding the One God's work in your waiting season. I want to start here because, before we talk about red flags, apps, timelines or wedding plans, we have to talk about you and God, because the truth is, you don't find the right person by scrolling hard on the apps. You become ready by first becoming whole in Christ. So grab your coffee, your journal and let's dive into this season with open hearts and renewed minds. So many of us grow up thinking the goal is to find the one. And while God absolutely cares about your relationship. And while God absolutely cares about your relationship, he's been more invested in who you're becoming in the process.

Renee Richel:

Before Adam and Eve, he had purpose, he had communion with God, he knew who he was. In Genesis 2:15, it tells us the Lord, god, took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. God formed Adam, placed him, assigned him. Only after that did God say it is not good for a man to be alone. Translation purpose before partnership, identity before intimacy. If you're in a waiting season right now, hear me, it is not punishment, it is preparation and it matters deeply. So what does becoming the one really mean deeply? So what does becoming the one really mean? It's not about being perfect, it's about being rooted.

Renee Richel:

Here are three things God often works on during this season. Number one healing past wounds. Whether it's a breakup, rejection or childhood trauma, god wants to heal what hurt you so it doesn't leak into your new relationship. Don't just bury it deep down inside. Bring it to him. He is a good father and he is here to listen. In Psalms 147:3, it says he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Renee Richel:

Two shaping character God wants to build fruit in you Patience, kindness, self-control and humility. These aren't just traits, they're tools for a healthy, lasting love. In Galatians 5:22-23, it talks about the fruit of the Spirit. Let that be your checklist, more than appearance or chemistry. Three refine your purpose.

Renee Richel:

Before you link arms around someone else's calling, you need to walk confidently on your own. What is God stirring in your heart? What makes you come alive? The right person won't distract you from your purpose. They'll align with you.

Renee Richel:

Have you heard someone say things like I'll be happy when I meet the right person. I'll travel, grow spiritually and take care of myself once I am with somebody? I hear my singles say this all the time and I tell them God wants you to start living your life to the fullest right now. Marriage is not a magic switch that suddenly gives you joy, discipline or purpose. It magnifies what already is in you, in your life, that you already have. So start building your life with God. Take the trip, read the Word, learn the budget, grow in community, love the people in front of you.

Renee Richel:

Your waiting season is not a holding pattern, it is a launch pad. And I get it because you're scrolling on your phone and then boom, another proposal post, Another couple announcing a wedding date and you're over here wondering when will it be my turn? Let me remind you God's timing is never late and never random. In Psalms 31: 15, it says my times are in your hands. He sees what you don't. He's protecting you from what you can't see and while you feel forgotten, he's actually being intentional. You're not behind, you're being set apart. Instead of asking when will it be my turn, try asking God what do you want me to do right now in my life? Because the truth is, the right person at the wrong time can lead to pain and heartache. Let God write your love story. This plot twists are always better than our shortcuts.

Renee Richel:

Here are a few ways to lean into this becoming journey Daily devotion. Spend consistent, intimate time with God, not just for answers but for relationship, positive, faithful community matters. Surround yourself with people who can call you higher and pray with you through your waiting season. Pursue wholeness. Get therapy, take care of your body. Break bad habits, let God clean house, write a vision Journal what you want in a relationship, but also what you want to give in one. What kind of partner do you want to also be? Celebrate others instead of comparing. Bless the engagements and weddings you see. Celebrate others instead of comparing. Bless the engagements and weddings, you see. It's evidence that God is still moving.

Renee Richel:

So, in conclusion, let's wrap up in prayer. Lord, thank you for every heart listening right now, for the one waiting, the one healing, the one searching for clarity. Be their peace, remind them that their season of becoming is sacred, that you are not late. You are working behind the scenes and in their hearts. Teach us to trust, grow and walk boldly in purpose and, when the time is right, bring the relationship that reflects your glory In Jesus' name, amen. This is just the beginning of a beautiful season.

Renee Richel:

Whether you're dating, engaged or in a waiting room with Jesus, know that he's preparing you for something real and worthy. While you wait, make sure you subscribe, share this with friends who's waiting on God and, as always, keep an open heart and mind in the world of dating. I hope you have a fantastic week and can't wait to see you for our next chat, god bless. It's been another great talk on this episode of 1 True Talks by Renee Richel. I look forward to our next chat. Please write in your questions and comments so I can be sure to talk about whatever it is you want to discuss in our next upcoming episode. Lots of Love, God Bless. XOXO.