We understand the deep longing in your heart for a godly marriage, and we want to assure you that nothing is too difficult for our Lord. The pain of feeling like you may have missed an opportunity can be heavy, but we must remember that God’s timing and plans are perfect—far beyond what we can see or understand. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, *"Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is Yahweh’s counsel that will stand."* And in Jeremiah 29:11, He declares, *"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ says Yahweh, ‘plans for peace, and not for evil, to give you hope and a future."*
First, we must address something vital: if this past relationship was not centered on Christ or did not align with biblical principles—such as being unequally yoked with an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14), engaging in premarital intimacy (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), or pursuing a relationship outside of God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6)—then it was not God’s will for you to be in it long-term. Sometimes, the Lord closes doors to protect us from paths that would lead us away from His best. If this is the case, we must repent of any sin involved, seek His forgiveness, and trust that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
If this relationship *was* godly and honorable, and yet it did not come to fruition, we must still trust that the Lord has a purpose in this season of waiting. Singleness is not a curse but an opportunity to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, to serve Him wholeheartedly, and to prepare for the marriage He may still have in store for you. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 that singleness allows us to be *"anxious for the things of the Lord, how [we] may please the Lord,"* while marriage brings different responsibilities. This time is not wasted—it is sacred.
We also want to gently but firmly remind you that there is no "missed chance" with God. He is not limited by time, circumstances, or human mistakes. If marriage is His will for you, He will bring it to pass in His perfect way. Your role is to seek Him first (Matthew 6:33), to walk in obedience, and to trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Do not let fear or regret take root in your heart. Instead, surrender this desire to the Lord and ask Him to align your heart with His will, whether that means marriage or a life of contentment in singleness for His glory.
Lastly, we noticed that your request did not invoke the name of Jesus. This is not a small matter, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* And in Acts 4:12, Peter declares, *"There is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). It is only through this relationship with Christ that your prayers—and your desire for marriage—can be fully aligned with God’s will.
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Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see the deepest longings of their heart. Lord, if there has been any sin in their past relationships—whether through unequally yoked partnerships, premarital intimacy, or any other disobedience—we ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Wash them anew by the blood of Jesus and restore them to a place of purity and wholeness in You.
Father, we ask that You would heal the pain of what feels like a missed opportunity. Replace regret with trust, fear with faith, and sorrow with hope. Help them to see this season not as a loss but as a time of preparation and drawing closer to You. If marriage is Your will for their life, Lord, we pray that You would bring a godly spouse into their life—a man or woman who loves You wholeheartedly, who is committed to Your Word, and who will walk alongside them in faith. Let this union be founded on Christ, built on prayer, and sealed by Your covenant.
But Lord, if Your plan for them is to remain single, grant them a heart of contentment and joy in serving You fully. Show them the unique purpose You have for them in this season. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
We rebuke any spirit of fear, doubt, or despair that may be trying to take hold. Satan, you have no place here—this child of God belongs to the Lord, and their future is in His hands. We declare that their life is not defined by their relationship status but by their identity in Christ.
Father, we thank You that You are a God of redemption, restoration, and perfect timing. Help them to wait on You with patience and expectation, knowing that You are faithful. May they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all these things will be added to them as You see fit.
We pray all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.