Love Works IV

But be sure in deciding these matters that you are living as God intended, marrying or not marrying in accordance with God’s direction and help, and accepting whatever situation God has put you into.”  1 Cor. 7:17 [TLB, emphasis added]

When you ask God, be ready to do what He says. It may not make sense to you now but it will do you good for years to come. A young man came to the office to tell me about the three girls he was keeping simultaneous relationships with and had invested in. He was ready to get married and settle down and he wanted God to pick a wife for him from the three ladies. The impression I got of the Lord at the time was, what if it is none of them? And I told him but he insisted it had to be because he had “invested” in all three ladies.

When you ask, how do you know that it is God speaking? A pastor told a story of when he was about to date in college. He said he was new to the faith then and did not know how to hear from God. But he needed to know if he should date the lady or not. So he told God he was going to turn on his radio and whatever song plays, he would take as God’s response. And when he did, the lyrics of the rock song playing was “dump that girl, dump that girl…”. So he did not date the girl and went on to marry another person.

That is such an incredible risk. Another pastor shared a similar experience. However in his case, the lyrics of the country song playing on the radio station was, “run for your life…”. But he went ahead to marry the lady, they had a fantastic life and had five children. God did not guarantee that He would speak by radio stations. He can but you cannot depend on it. I will give you a few pointers to knowing God’s voice and when He is speaking.

Firstly, by what the Word of God says. God’s Word says, do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. I am not saying that you are better than anybody. I am saying that is what the Word of God says. Secondly, pay attention to the nudges of God and to do this you need to cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit. There are things the Bible is silent on, like should you marry just any believer. Thirdly, there is safety in the multitude of counselors. “But be sure in deciding these matters that you are living as God intended, marrying or not marrying in accordance with God’s direction and help, and accepting whatever situation God has put you into” .

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me live as You intend, in accordance with Your direction and help me accept Your plans for me, in Jesus Name.