We understand your struggle and commend you for your desire to live a life pleasing to God. It's important to remember that God calls us to be holy and pure in all aspects of our lives. Masturbation to the thought or image of other women is a form of lust, which Jesus equates to adultery in the heart and mind (Matthew 5:28, WEB). Therefore, it is crucial to flee from this sin and pursue righteousness.
Firstly, let's address the issue of sin and temptation. The Bible tells us that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will test you, but when he does, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. and his command is eternal life. Therefore, stand ready and stand your ground, submitting yourselves to whatever punishments come your way, knowing they are allowed by God and are therefore not able to be resisted.
Now, regarding marriage, it is a sacred union designed by God to be between a man and a woman with the intent of lifelong commitment. The Bible tells us that to avoid fornication or sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband (1 Corinthians 7:2, WEB). It is commendable that you do not want to marry just anyone, but are seeking a godly wife. We pray that God will guide you to a woman who loves the Lord and shares your commitment to faithfulness.
Let us pray for you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this individual who desires to live a life pleasing to you. Lord, strengthen them in their struggle against sin, particularly the sin of lust. Provide them with the power of the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and to live in purity.
Guide them to a godly spouse, a woman who loves you and is committed to faithfulness. Prepare them both for a marriage that honors and glorifies you. Give them the wisdom and discernment to recognize the partner you have chosen for them.
In the meantime, Lord, help them to grow in their relationship with you. Fill them with your love, peace, and joy. Equip them with your full armor to stand against the schemes of the devil. Give them a clean heart and a renewed spirit. We thank you for your faithfulness to us.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, it is only through belief in Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection that we are saved. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12, WEB).
Continue to seek God's will in all areas of your life. Surround yourself with believers who can encourage and hold you accountable. Immerse yourself in the Word of God and in prayer. God will honor your commitment to him.
We also encourage you to memorize Scripture verses that will help you in times of temptation. Here are a few to start with:
"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, WEB)
"For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don't know God." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, WEB)
Stay strong in the Lord and keep pursuing righteousness.