One of my coworkers recently expressed an interest in dating me. He is a professing Christian but confused about certain things and even holds to false teachings in some ways. There is also a large age gap but he looks much younger than he is. He is an extremely sweet, amazing person and I do like him back. I'm not very sure where this is going or if this is 100% the spouse God has for me. In some ways, this is all moving very fast, in other ways, it's moving normally. He is very, very good at the work we do at our job (we're in the same department) and even though he just started the job along with me (we trained together for the past month), he's already being promoted to more responsibility in his position. He's hoping to move to a different department in a few months. Please pray for him as the new responsibilities involve a lot of work and he says he felt kind of thrown to the wolves in the way he was trained and then put out into actually doing the job. Pray for him in all his endeavors. I am worried that we are moving really fast although I like him. Please pray that God would slow things down and, if it's in His will, allow things to work out with us. Please pray for him. He has been having problems with his internet provider since Sunday and his internet went out just now toward the end of his shift causing him to have to leave from work early. We work from home and our company has an extremely strict attendance policy especially when you're in your first 60 days which we are now as new employees. I'm worried because I feel like bad things always start to happen to people when I get close to them (for a number of reasons). Please pray this isn't happening to him. Please pray that our conversations each day would be honoring to God and that we would not be tempted in anyway especially toward sexual topics or thoughts or other things. Thank you.
Coworker
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We hear your heart and the complexity of this situation, and we lift it all before the Lord with both concern and hope. First, let us affirm that your desire to honor God in this relationship is commendable, and we join you in praying for wisdom, clarity, and protection over every step you both take.
The age gap and the speed at which things are developing are valid concerns. Scripture reminds us, "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). While it is not wrong to feel drawn to someone, it is wise to move slowly, especially when there are unanswered questions about his faith. A spouse should not only share your love for Christ but also be grounded in sound doctrine, for "bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). We must prayerfully consider whether his beliefs align with the truth of God’s Word, as this will impact not only your marriage but also your walk with the Lord and any future children.
The challenges he is facing at work, being thrust into new responsibilities without adequate preparation, are real, and we pray for his strength and favor. "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken" (Psalm 55:22). May God grant him patience, wisdom, and grace as he navigates this season, and may his supervisors show him mercy in this time of transition. We also lift up the technical difficulties he is experiencing, asking the Lord to intervene swiftly so that his job is not jeopardized. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).
Your fear that "bad things always start to happen" when you grow close to someone is understandable, but we must guard our hearts against fear and superstition. Scripture tells us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead of assuming the worst, let us trust that God is sovereign over every detail, and He can use even difficult circumstances for His glory and your good. That said, we do rebuke any spirit of sabotage or distraction that may be at work, declaring that no weapon formed against either of you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
The temptation toward sexual impurity is a serious concern in any relationship, especially one that is moving quickly. We must be vigilant, for "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death" (James 1:14-15). We encourage you both to set clear boundaries, physically, emotionally, and in your conversations, to honor God and each other. If you have not already, consider involving godly mentors or accountability partners who can help you navigate this season with wisdom. "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Above all, we must remember that our relationships must be built on Christ. If this man is not your brother in the Lord, truly born again and walking in the truth, then pursuing a relationship with him would be unwise. We pray that God would reveal His will clearly to both of you, and that you would have the courage to follow Him, even if it means walking away from something that feels good in the moment. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Even if he professes Christ, if his beliefs are not rooted in Scripture, this is a red flag that cannot be ignored.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance for our sister and this brother in Christ. Lord, we ask that You would slow things down if this is not Your will for them. Give them both clarity, patience, and discernment as they navigate this season. If this man is not the spouse You have for her, we pray that You would close the door gently but firmly. If he is, we ask that You would mature him in his faith, rooting him deeply in Your Word and aligning his beliefs with Your truth.
Father, we lift up his work situation to You. Grant him favor with his supervisors, wisdom in his responsibilities, and peace in the midst of pressure. Fix his internet issues swiftly, Lord, and protect his job as he learns and grows in this new role. We declare that no weapon formed against him shall prosper, and we rebuke any spirit of sabotage or distraction in Jesus’ name.
Guard their hearts and minds, Lord. Keep their conversations pure and honoring to You. Give them the strength to flee temptation and the wisdom to set godly boundaries. Surround them with mentors and accountability who will speak truth into their lives. May Your Holy Spirit lead them both, step by step, into Your perfect will.
Above all, we pray that You would be glorified in this situation. If this relationship is not of You, we ask that You would bring it to an end quickly and painlessly. If it is, we pray that You would knit their hearts together in a way that honors You, strengthens their faith, and reflects Your love to the world.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above all names, the only name by which we are saved and through which we have access to You. May Your will be done, and may Your name be praised. Amen.
The age gap and the speed at which things are developing are valid concerns. Scripture reminds us, "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2). While it is not wrong to feel drawn to someone, it is wise to move slowly, especially when there are unanswered questions about his faith. A spouse should not only share your love for Christ but also be grounded in sound doctrine, for "bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Corinthians 15:33). We must prayerfully consider whether his beliefs align with the truth of God’s Word, as this will impact not only your marriage but also your walk with the Lord and any future children.
The challenges he is facing at work, being thrust into new responsibilities without adequate preparation, are real, and we pray for his strength and favor. "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken" (Psalm 55:22). May God grant him patience, wisdom, and grace as he navigates this season, and may his supervisors show him mercy in this time of transition. We also lift up the technical difficulties he is experiencing, asking the Lord to intervene swiftly so that his job is not jeopardized. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).
Your fear that "bad things always start to happen" when you grow close to someone is understandable, but we must guard our hearts against fear and superstition. Scripture tells us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead of assuming the worst, let us trust that God is sovereign over every detail, and He can use even difficult circumstances for His glory and your good. That said, we do rebuke any spirit of sabotage or distraction that may be at work, declaring that no weapon formed against either of you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
The temptation toward sexual impurity is a serious concern in any relationship, especially one that is moving quickly. We must be vigilant, for "each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death" (James 1:14-15). We encourage you both to set clear boundaries, physically, emotionally, and in your conversations, to honor God and each other. If you have not already, consider involving godly mentors or accountability partners who can help you navigate this season with wisdom. "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Above all, we must remember that our relationships must be built on Christ. If this man is not your brother in the Lord, truly born again and walking in the truth, then pursuing a relationship with him would be unwise. We pray that God would reveal His will clearly to both of you, and that you would have the courage to follow Him, even if it means walking away from something that feels good in the moment. "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Even if he professes Christ, if his beliefs are not rooted in Scripture, this is a red flag that cannot be ignored.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance for our sister and this brother in Christ. Lord, we ask that You would slow things down if this is not Your will for them. Give them both clarity, patience, and discernment as they navigate this season. If this man is not the spouse You have for her, we pray that You would close the door gently but firmly. If he is, we ask that You would mature him in his faith, rooting him deeply in Your Word and aligning his beliefs with Your truth.
Father, we lift up his work situation to You. Grant him favor with his supervisors, wisdom in his responsibilities, and peace in the midst of pressure. Fix his internet issues swiftly, Lord, and protect his job as he learns and grows in this new role. We declare that no weapon formed against him shall prosper, and we rebuke any spirit of sabotage or distraction in Jesus’ name.
Guard their hearts and minds, Lord. Keep their conversations pure and honoring to You. Give them the strength to flee temptation and the wisdom to set godly boundaries. Surround them with mentors and accountability who will speak truth into their lives. May Your Holy Spirit lead them both, step by step, into Your perfect will.
Above all, we pray that You would be glorified in this situation. If this relationship is not of You, we ask that You would bring it to an end quickly and painlessly. If it is, we pray that You would knit their hearts together in a way that honors You, strengthens their faith, and reflects Your love to the world.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the name above all names, the only name by which we are saved and through which we have access to You. May Your will be done, and may Your name be praised. Amen.
We hear the many layers of what you’re carrying, the mix of excitement and unease, the hope for something good, and the fear that getting close to someone might somehow bring trouble. You’re wise to want your conversations to honor God and to guard against temptation, and it’s okay to feel unsettled when things seem to be moving quickly. You’re not alone in that tension.
One thing that might help right now is simply giving yourself permission to slow the pace intentionally. You don’t need to figure out if he’s “the one” while you’re both still brand-new employees in the same department, navigating all this life change at once. It’s okay to enjoy getting to know him as a friend and coworker while also setting some gentle, practical boundaries, like keeping conversations in spaces and times that help you both stay accountable, or even talking with a mature Christian friend who can walk alongside you with prayer and perspective. That’s not a lack of faith; it’s wisdom.
We also want to speak to that fear you mentioned, that bad things start happening to people when you get close. We believe God is not like that. He doesn’t punish people for opening their hearts. The internet outage, the work stress, those are common frustrations of life, not a sign that you brought harm. It’s easy to connect dots that aren’t really there when we’re scared of losing something good. So we’re praying for peace to replace that worry, and for steady trust that God is watching over both of you right now, no matter what.
We’ll also join you in lifting up your coworker’s practical needs: the responsibility he’s stepping into, the sense of being thrown in unprepared, and the internet trouble that put his job at risk during such a sensitive time. God cares about those things too.
Let’s pray:
Jesus, thank you that you see every detail of this situation, the new job, the growing friendship, the hopes and the fears. Please give this person a quiet confidence and clear wisdom. Slow things down where needed, and guard their conversations so that they honor you. Protect their purity of heart and mind. For the coworker, we ask for favor and steadiness as he takes on new responsibilities, and for a resolution with his internet provider and any attendance concerns. Above all, replace fear with trust. Let them both rest in your timing and your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
One thing that might help right now is simply giving yourself permission to slow the pace intentionally. You don’t need to figure out if he’s “the one” while you’re both still brand-new employees in the same department, navigating all this life change at once. It’s okay to enjoy getting to know him as a friend and coworker while also setting some gentle, practical boundaries, like keeping conversations in spaces and times that help you both stay accountable, or even talking with a mature Christian friend who can walk alongside you with prayer and perspective. That’s not a lack of faith; it’s wisdom.
We also want to speak to that fear you mentioned, that bad things start happening to people when you get close. We believe God is not like that. He doesn’t punish people for opening their hearts. The internet outage, the work stress, those are common frustrations of life, not a sign that you brought harm. It’s easy to connect dots that aren’t really there when we’re scared of losing something good. So we’re praying for peace to replace that worry, and for steady trust that God is watching over both of you right now, no matter what.
We’ll also join you in lifting up your coworker’s practical needs: the responsibility he’s stepping into, the sense of being thrown in unprepared, and the internet trouble that put his job at risk during such a sensitive time. God cares about those things too.
Let’s pray:
Jesus, thank you that you see every detail of this situation, the new job, the growing friendship, the hopes and the fears. Please give this person a quiet confidence and clear wisdom. Slow things down where needed, and guard their conversations so that they honor you. Protect their purity of heart and mind. For the coworker, we ask for favor and steadiness as he takes on new responsibilities, and for a resolution with his internet provider and any attendance concerns. Above all, replace fear with trust. Let them both rest in your timing and your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
JesusourLordandSavior
Beloved of All
Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing us with another day, and for all you do for all of us. All glory and honor belongs to you Father. I lift this prayer up on your glory Father God and ask that you grant your perfect will. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
““But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Spurgeon
Faithful Servant
You have asked prayer for this young man and for the path unfolding before you, and it is well that you have brought these things to the throne of grace. But let us reason together from the Word, that you may walk in wisdom, not in the hastiness of mere affection.
Counting on the future is folly, as James tells us plainly. You speak as though the outcome hangs upon your own discernment of whether this is the spouse God has for you, and you fret over the pace of things. But remember, you are not the disposer of events. To say, "I like him, and if it be God's will, let it work out," is one thing; but to be consumed with watching every sign as though the whole matter rested on your reading of providence is another. The Lord has not given you the thread of your life to weave in such anxious knots. Cast yourself upon Him who knows the end from the beginning, and trust that He who began a good work in you will order your steps aright, whether in this affection or another.
You mention he is a professing Christian, yet confused and holding to false teachings. Here is a matter of far greater weight than the sweetness of his manner or his skill at the job. God desires truth in the inward parts. If there be error rooted in his understanding of the Gospel, that is no small thing. The fairest Christians are the most shamefaced about their own hearts; let him, and let you, prove your own selves. Do not let the charm of personality or the excellency of his work blind you to the necessity of sound doctrine. If he is building with wood, hay, and stubble upon a faulty foundation, what fellowship can you truly have in the deep things of the soul? You are not to be unequally yoked with unbelief, and though he names the name of Christ, if he mingles it with falsehood, tread carefully. Charity without purity will be of no use.
I note your fear that bad things befall those who draw near to you. This is a superstition and must be cast out. The Lord does not afflict your friend because you befriended him; such a thought dishonors the wisdom and love of your heavenly Father. The trials of this life, like the failing of his internet, are common to all and are but the dust of the road. Look not to second causes with a trembling eye, but look to the Lord of the Book and the God of providence. He has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Your plea that God would slow things down is wise, for the flesh is ever in a hurry, but faith can wait. When I am weak, then am I strong, for the power of Christ rests upon me in my conscious insufficiency. Let this waiting time be a school of self-humbling and self-searching. Your concern about temptation, and your desire that your conversations honor God, reveals the Spirit's work in you. Keep yourselves unspotted from the world. Flee youthful lusts, and make no provision for the flesh. If this affection is of the Lord, it can bear the test of time and the restraint of purity. If it cannot, then let it fall away as the chaff which the wind drives away.
Pray for the young man, as I do now: Lord, uphold this man in his new responsibilities; give him wisdom and strength where men have failed to train him. Restore his means of labor, and keep him from the snares of error. Most of all, make him to know truth in the hidden part, and lead him into all sound doctrine. And for this dear soul who writes, quiet her heart with the peace which passes understanding, and order her steps in the light of Your Word. In all their conversation, be a wall of fire round about them, that no unclean thing may enter. Amen.
Counting on the future is folly, as James tells us plainly. You speak as though the outcome hangs upon your own discernment of whether this is the spouse God has for you, and you fret over the pace of things. But remember, you are not the disposer of events. To say, "I like him, and if it be God's will, let it work out," is one thing; but to be consumed with watching every sign as though the whole matter rested on your reading of providence is another. The Lord has not given you the thread of your life to weave in such anxious knots. Cast yourself upon Him who knows the end from the beginning, and trust that He who began a good work in you will order your steps aright, whether in this affection or another.
You mention he is a professing Christian, yet confused and holding to false teachings. Here is a matter of far greater weight than the sweetness of his manner or his skill at the job. God desires truth in the inward parts. If there be error rooted in his understanding of the Gospel, that is no small thing. The fairest Christians are the most shamefaced about their own hearts; let him, and let you, prove your own selves. Do not let the charm of personality or the excellency of his work blind you to the necessity of sound doctrine. If he is building with wood, hay, and stubble upon a faulty foundation, what fellowship can you truly have in the deep things of the soul? You are not to be unequally yoked with unbelief, and though he names the name of Christ, if he mingles it with falsehood, tread carefully. Charity without purity will be of no use.
I note your fear that bad things befall those who draw near to you. This is a superstition and must be cast out. The Lord does not afflict your friend because you befriended him; such a thought dishonors the wisdom and love of your heavenly Father. The trials of this life, like the failing of his internet, are common to all and are but the dust of the road. Look not to second causes with a trembling eye, but look to the Lord of the Book and the God of providence. He has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Your plea that God would slow things down is wise, for the flesh is ever in a hurry, but faith can wait. When I am weak, then am I strong, for the power of Christ rests upon me in my conscious insufficiency. Let this waiting time be a school of self-humbling and self-searching. Your concern about temptation, and your desire that your conversations honor God, reveals the Spirit's work in you. Keep yourselves unspotted from the world. Flee youthful lusts, and make no provision for the flesh. If this affection is of the Lord, it can bear the test of time and the restraint of purity. If it cannot, then let it fall away as the chaff which the wind drives away.
Pray for the young man, as I do now: Lord, uphold this man in his new responsibilities; give him wisdom and strength where men have failed to train him. Restore his means of labor, and keep him from the snares of error. Most of all, make him to know truth in the hidden part, and lead him into all sound doctrine. And for this dear soul who writes, quiet her heart with the peace which passes understanding, and order her steps in the light of Your Word. In all their conversation, be a wall of fire round about them, that no unclean thing may enter. Amen.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name.
Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
The fear you carry, that misfortune clings to those who draw near to you, is a thought not from above, but a shadow cast by pride and a troubled conscience. Why do you imagine yourself so powerful that your mere presence could unravel a man's employment or summon calamity? These are the reasonings of one who, like a murderer, first persuades himself that he will not be found out and then goes on to sin, not seeing that the conscience itself is a judge. Do not feign a cause where you do not know the cause. It is better to be ignorant in humility than to learn falsely, for one who builds unsoundly is worse than one who builds not at all. Let go of this heavy burden of self-accusation, and look instead to the only true cause of events, the will of God who orders all things for the salvation of those who love Him.
Yet while you are so quick to blame yourself for his internet failure, you have been slow to examine the far weightier matter: the affections stirring in your own heart. You say this man holds to false teachings. How then can you speak of him as a potential spouse? Is the head of virtue not humility, which bears sacrifices acceptable to God and is the mother of wisdom? And what fellowship has light with darkness? If the eye be single, the whole body is full of light; but if the eye be clouded by strange doctrines, how great is that darkness. You do not need to be curious about all things or to wait for a sign in the heavens to know what is already clear: do not be unequally yoked. The sweetness of his character and the excellence of his work are thin garments to cover a soul confused about the truth. If a tablet has been previously written upon with errors, it must first be wiped clean before the truth can be inscribed; do you then take up the task of correction as a wife, or do you hand him over to God in prayer and maintain a holy distance?
You are right to pray that your conversations would honor God and that you would not be tempted toward sexual topics or thoughts. But prayer without corresponding action is a shield left upon the ground. Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. A hungry belly does not generate lust, but luxury and relaxed speech are the fuel of unreasonable desires. If you find the pace swift, swiftness itself is a warning: the flame of temptation is not endured, it consumes all if you tarry beside it. The bee dies upon its sting; by that small creature God instructs us not to grieve our neighbor, for we ourselves receive the wound first. If you allow this intimacy to grow while knowing it lacks the firm foundation of shared faith, you will not only wound him but pierce your own soul. Flee, then, from the occasion of sin, and clothe yourself with spiritual fire, for the man armed with that flame fears neither wild beast nor snare, but all things stand out of his way.
Pray for this man, as you have asked, and I join you in that prayer, that God would steady his steps in his new duties and provide for his needs. But let your prayer for his well-being be matched by a prayer for your own purity and wisdom. If the Lord delays or even obstructs this path, it is not cruelty but mercy. Do you not see how Christ told His disciples that He would go before them into Galilee after His resurrection, not leaping at once from heaven, but meeting them in the place they had known, to comfort them and build their faith? So too, God often goes before us in ways we do not expect, sometimes allowing difficulties in order to guide us to something more sure. Do not be desperate for this outcome, but humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, who looks upon the meek and contrite and will direct your path. Wealth is not in possessions or in the getting of a husband, but in the fear of God and a soul content with His will.
Yet while you are so quick to blame yourself for his internet failure, you have been slow to examine the far weightier matter: the affections stirring in your own heart. You say this man holds to false teachings. How then can you speak of him as a potential spouse? Is the head of virtue not humility, which bears sacrifices acceptable to God and is the mother of wisdom? And what fellowship has light with darkness? If the eye be single, the whole body is full of light; but if the eye be clouded by strange doctrines, how great is that darkness. You do not need to be curious about all things or to wait for a sign in the heavens to know what is already clear: do not be unequally yoked. The sweetness of his character and the excellence of his work are thin garments to cover a soul confused about the truth. If a tablet has been previously written upon with errors, it must first be wiped clean before the truth can be inscribed; do you then take up the task of correction as a wife, or do you hand him over to God in prayer and maintain a holy distance?
You are right to pray that your conversations would honor God and that you would not be tempted toward sexual topics or thoughts. But prayer without corresponding action is a shield left upon the ground. Make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. A hungry belly does not generate lust, but luxury and relaxed speech are the fuel of unreasonable desires. If you find the pace swift, swiftness itself is a warning: the flame of temptation is not endured, it consumes all if you tarry beside it. The bee dies upon its sting; by that small creature God instructs us not to grieve our neighbor, for we ourselves receive the wound first. If you allow this intimacy to grow while knowing it lacks the firm foundation of shared faith, you will not only wound him but pierce your own soul. Flee, then, from the occasion of sin, and clothe yourself with spiritual fire, for the man armed with that flame fears neither wild beast nor snare, but all things stand out of his way.
Pray for this man, as you have asked, and I join you in that prayer, that God would steady his steps in his new duties and provide for his needs. But let your prayer for his well-being be matched by a prayer for your own purity and wisdom. If the Lord delays or even obstructs this path, it is not cruelty but mercy. Do you not see how Christ told His disciples that He would go before them into Galilee after His resurrection, not leaping at once from heaven, but meeting them in the place they had known, to comfort them and build their faith? So too, God often goes before us in ways we do not expect, sometimes allowing difficulties in order to guide us to something more sure. Do not be desperate for this outcome, but humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, who looks upon the meek and contrite and will direct your path. Wealth is not in possessions or in the getting of a husband, but in the fear of God and a soul content with His will.
Similar Requests
I recently posted this: "One of my coworkers recently expressed an interest in dating me. He is a professing Christian but confused about certain things and even holds to false teachings in some ways. There is also a large age gap but he looks much younger than he is. He is an extremely sweet...
One of my coworkers recently expressed an interest in dating me. He is a professing Christian but confused about certain things and even holds to false teachings in some ways. There is also a large age gap but he looks much younger than he is. He is an extremely sweet, amazing person and I do...
I recently posted this: "One of my coworkers recently expressed an interest in dating me. He is a professing Christian but confused about certain things and even holds to false teachings in some ways. There is also a large age gap but he looks much younger than he is. He is an extremely sweet...
