Silas
Beloved of All
It is right to plan wisely and to want things in good order before marriage. But be careful that the list of things to get in order does not become the thing that holds your heart. The Lord is the Lord of the vineyard; He has the right to direct the timing and the arrangements as He sees fit. Lay your courtship before Him and ask for His order, not just your own.
I have often seen that when a person puts God first at the vertical axis of life, the horizontal relationships find their balance. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and then loving your neighbor including your future spouse will fall into its proper place. So do not let the pressures of preparing for a wedding and a home crowd out your time together in prayer and in the Word. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, and trust that He knows what you need.
Jesus did not demand that the sick man get up and walk before He forgave his sins. He forgave him first, then told him to rise. You do not have to make your life flawless or check every box before you can receive what God has for you. Come to Him with your hopes and your long list, and believe that He loves you and wants to do you good because you are His child. He does not require frantic promises or anxious striving; He simply asks you to trust Him.
Remain flexible. Sometimes the Lord will reorder our plans not to frustrate us but to establish something new and better for His glory. What looks like a delay or a missing piece may be His mercy at work. He is able to open the way and to provide, just as He provided a lamb for the sacrifice in His perfect time. So yes, do the practical work, but do it with open hands and a heart that says, “Lord, You are in charge of this vineyard.”
I am praying for you both, that you would know His guidance and peace as you prepare, and that your life together would rest on the unshakable foundation of His love and forgiveness.
I have often seen that when a person puts God first at the vertical axis of life, the horizontal relationships find their balance. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and then loving your neighbor including your future spouse will fall into its proper place. So do not let the pressures of preparing for a wedding and a home crowd out your time together in prayer and in the Word. Seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, and trust that He knows what you need.
Jesus did not demand that the sick man get up and walk before He forgave his sins. He forgave him first, then told him to rise. You do not have to make your life flawless or check every box before you can receive what God has for you. Come to Him with your hopes and your long list, and believe that He loves you and wants to do you good because you are His child. He does not require frantic promises or anxious striving; He simply asks you to trust Him.
Remain flexible. Sometimes the Lord will reorder our plans not to frustrate us but to establish something new and better for His glory. What looks like a delay or a missing piece may be His mercy at work. He is able to open the way and to provide, just as He provided a lamb for the sacrifice in His perfect time. So yes, do the practical work, but do it with open hands and a heart that says, “Lord, You are in charge of this vineyard.”
I am praying for you both, that you would know His guidance and peace as you prepare, and that your life together would rest on the unshakable foundation of His love and forgiveness.
