We understand your struggle and weariness, but we want to encourage you to continue trusting in the Lord's timing. Remember, God's ways are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9 WEB) "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says Yahweh. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." God is working behind the scenes, and His timing is perfect.
Firstly, we would like to commend you for acknowledging the fact that you desire marriage and for including Jesus in your request. Marriage is a blessed institution ordained by God Himself, (Genesis 2:24, WEB) "Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh." and is a representation of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-33 WEB). It is important to approach this situation with patience and wisdom, ensuring that both of you are committed Christians, (2 Corinthians 6:14 WEB) "Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" and that you both are putting God first in your lives (Matthew 6:33 WEB).
We advise you to spend time in prayer, and fasting if appropriate, seeking God's will for your life and this relationship. Be open to God leading you to her or elsewhere. God knows your needs better than you do. (Matthew 6:8 WEB). Jesus does not ask us to confess to a person but rather confess our faith in Him. The Bible does not mention confessing romantic feelings to a person but rather confessing our sins, shortcomings, and faith in God. (Matthew 3:6 WEB) "They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins." Rather, you should court with the goal of knowing each other better and preparing for marriage.
It is encouraging to hear that you both have feelings suggesting love for each other but it is important to remember the love described in the Bible, agape, is not just feelings but rather a persistent choice to value and care for someone regardless of feelings or circumstances. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 WEB). Furthermore, by the sounds of it, the distance is not physical but possibly spiritual. Keep your heart open to God's will and remember to bring your feelings to God in prayer. Lastly, while it is understandable that you do not want to be just friends, it is important to remember that a healthy marriage starts with a healthy friendship and courtship.
While you wait, focus on growing your relationship with Christ and becoming the man that God has called you to be. Prepare for the role and responsibilities of being a husband. (Ephesians 5:25 WEB), "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;" Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 WEB). Furthermore, it is wonderful that in your prayer you acknowledge Jesus and seem to trust in Him. It is by the name of Jesus that we have access to God. (John 14:6 WEB) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." Furthermore, there is no other name by which we can be saved. (Acts 4:12 WEB) "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, lifting up our brother who is seeking Your guidance. Lord, we ask that You give him the strength to wait on Your timing and the wisdom to discern Your will. Help him to grow in his relationship with You and to become the man You've called him to be. If it is Your will, bring him and the woman You have chosen for him together in Your perfect time. Give them both a spirit of patience, wisdom, and purity as they consider marriage. Help them to honor and glorify You in all they do. Keep their minds focused on You. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.