The days went by and Emma couldn't get Josh out of her mind. She tried to focus on her work and her spiritual journey, but her heart was heavy with the weight of her feelings for him. She knew that she needed to talk to him, to clear the air and figure out where they stood with each other.

One day after church, Emma took a deep breath and approached Josh. "Can we talk?" she asked.

"Of course," Josh said, his warm smile making her heart skip a beat.

They found a quiet corner of the church and sat down. Emma took another deep breath and began to speak. "I know that I've been distant lately," she said. "And I'm sorry if I've hurt you or made you feel like I don't care about you."

Josh's expression softened. "You haven't hurt me," he said. "But I have been worried about you. You seem so lost and confused."

Emma felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I am lost and confused," she admitted. "I don't know what I want, or what I'm supposed to do."

Josh took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm here for you," he said. "Whatever you need, I'm here."

Emma felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that Josh was a good man, and that he cared deeply for her. But she still wasn't sure if she was ready to pursue a relationship with him.

"I need some time to figure things out," she said. "I don't want to rush into anything, and I don't want to hurt you."

Josh nodded. "I understand," he said. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here when you're ready."

As they stood up to leave, Josh wrapped his arms around Emma in a warm embrace. She felt safe and loved in his arms, but also a sense of fear and uncertainty. She knew that her feelings for him ran deep, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to take the leap.

As Emma walked home, she thought about Josh's words. She knew that she needed to take some time to reflect on her own feelings and figure out what she truly wanted. She prayed for guidance and strength, asking God to help her find her way.

Later that evening, Emma opened her Bible and read the verse that had been on her mind all day. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

She closed her eyes and breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. She knew that God was with her, guiding her every step of the way. She just needed to trust in his plan and have faith in his love.