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GETTING THE BEST IN MARRIAGE (PART IV)
James 1: 17, 18. Genesis 24: 1-28, Proverbs 18:22, Psalm 32:8-11.
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but the woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31: 30). A lot of believers nowadays have shunned and denied the way of the cross: “Then said I, Lo I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea Thy law is within my heart”. Psalm 40:7,8.
It is wonderful to know that God is the “Only Wise!” 1Timothy 1:17. He is the One who sees, speaks and knows the end from the beginning! Acts 15:18. The redemption purpose is all inclusive! The life to live, the work to do (Genesis 2:15), the family to have (Jeremiah 1:4,5), etc. A child of God therefore has the advantage and privilege of being led and guided into God perfect plan in every area of life. Joy, peace, righteousness and fulfillment are the reward of life so placed at God disposal! Luke 1:38, 46-51. Therefore a child of God who desires the best in marriage must know that: Best Husband or Wife can only come from God! He or She must be ready to involve God in the choice and every decision along the way. Proverbs 3:5-7.
A. FINDING THE BEST PARTNER
Ruth 2:1-3, Genesis 24:12-21, James 1:17; Matthew 7:7-11.
In God’s wisdom and design, for every child of God called into marriage union, God has a prepared “Help meet”. Anxiety and worry are not necessary as God knows how to bring the right bones and flesh together at the right time! Genesis 2:18. All that are needed are: Good preparation as mentioned in last study, faith, understanding and obedience in the knowledge of His will. Ephesians 3:16-21.
Note the following:
1. To have God’s best, you must believe in God’s will and leading and that God cannot give what is not His best for you. James 1:17.
2. Reject carnality, personal idol or cunning human manipulations in self-will for whatever reason. Honesty is the best policy! Philippians 4:6-8.
3. Do not focus on outward attraction, and selfish gain, rather think on quality, godly character, what you can give and value you can add. Proverbs 31:30, Luke 6:38.
4. Determine to be and to get original version, and not photocopy based on indecision and influence from others. Though you should value good and godly counsel, yet let God be your foundation and yourself the architect of your destiny. Ephesians 4:14-20, Luke 6:46-49.
5. Be open and transparent especially to your spiritual, parental and pastoral guardian. Proverbs 15:22;19-20.
6. Do not marry unbeliever for whatever reason if you are born again before marriage! 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. In case the intended partner is from another church or unfamiliar, find out very well before deciding! 1Thessalonians 5:20-22, James.1:19.
7. Be very sure God is in your decision, do not be rushed, brain washed or match made into it. Marriage is a journey of no return! Ruth 3:1-18, Isaiah 28:16.
8. Recognize opportunities and God’s open door. Negligence, Insensitivity and Indecision can be very costly. Do not lose your best through unguided rigidity. Genesis 24:50-61.
9. Pray earnestly for directive. Genesis 24:12-15.
10. Cultivate habit of obedience and love for the Lord. Isaiah 1:19.
B. HOW GOD LEADS INTO HIS BEST
1. He orders your steps, arranged circumstances, and plant into right field to fulfill his purpose. Ruth 2:1-3, Psalm 23:3.
2. Recognise God’s way of speaking to and leading you in every other areas of life. He will likely lead you same way in marriage. God is deeply interested in your right choice and success. Psalm 32:8.
3. He can guide and lead you through many ways including:
-Inspired scriptural revelation. Daniel 9:1-3.
-Dream, vision or trance. Matthew 1:18-24, Acts 9:10-19
-Directive through anointed preaching/teaching. Ruth 3:1-6.
-Instruction by God audible voice. Isaiah 30:21
-Inner voice of the Holy Ghost. John 16:13, Acts 13:2-3
-Awareness and love of the individual from within. Songs of Solomon 8:6, 7.
-Providence that is evidential to both parties involved. Genesis 41: 44-46.
Whichever way God chooses to guide you, orderliness and decency must prevail in the church. Your first and prior contact before marriage proposition is your pastor or spiritual parent. Their guidance, admonition and directive will save unforeseen mistakes and troubles.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
CHS 78 WHERE HE LEADS I’LL GO
1. "Take up thy cross and follow Me," I heard my Master say;
"I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today."
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.
2. He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I'll go.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.
3. It may be thru' the shadows dim, Or o'er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.
4. My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
he is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I'll go.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.
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