Waiting on God: From Mission Field to Marriage - A Journey of Faith

You Waited Long and Well for Him

It's a beautiful thing when the desires of our hearts are fulfilled. In a world filled with sorrow and pain, it's important to savor the moments of joy that come our way. As the Bible says, "A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul" (Proverbs 13:19).

However, we all know what it's like to have unfulfilled desires and to experience the anguish that comes with them. We cry out to God and wait patiently for Him to answer. It can be especially difficult when the desire we long for is to find a spouse and start a family. The chronic heartache of loneliness can be overwhelming, and many people give up hope and resort to desperate measures to try and fill the void.

But you, my friend, chose a different path. You took the road less traveled - the road that led you to the mission field for almost a decade, even though your heart's desire was to get married and have children. You waited long and well, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). And now, at last, your waiting has paid off, and you are about to marry the man of your dreams.

Waiting on God

Waiting on God is never easy, but it's a crucial part of the Christian life. We see examples of waiting all throughout the Bible - from Abraham and Sarah waiting for a son to Hannah waiting for a child to Mary and Joseph waiting for the Messiah to come.

One of the most important things we can do while we wait on God is to focus on Him and His Word. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." When we delight in God, we align our desires with His will, and we can trust that He will fulfill them in His perfect timing.

Another key to waiting well is to surround ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage us and pray for us. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

When we have friends and family who love us and support us, we can find strength and hope in their words and actions. They can remind us of God's faithfulness and help us to keep our eyes fixed on Him, even when the waiting feels unbearable.

The Gift of Marriage

Marriage is a beautiful gift from God - a reflection of His love for us and of the unity we have with Him through Christ. In Genesis 2:18, God says, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." He created Eve to be Adam's companion and helper, and He has been bringing together husbands and wives ever since.

When we enter into marriage, we become one flesh with our spouse (Genesis 2:24). This means that we are united in every way - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We share our joys and our sorrows, our triumphs and our struggles. And through it all, we have the opportunity to grow closer to God and to each other.

Marriage is not always easy, of course. It requires sacrifice and selflessness, forgiveness and grace. But when we commit ourselves to loving and serving our spouse, we reflect the love of Christ to the world around us. As Ephesians 5:25-27 says, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that He might present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Marriage is also a picture of the relationship between Christ and His Church. Just as a husband loves and serves his wife, so Christ loves and serves His people. He gave Himself up for us, that we might be cleansed and made holy through His sacrifice. And one day, He will present us to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.

Preparing for Marriage

As you prepare to enter into marriage, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, continue to seek God and His will for your life. As you delight in Him, He will guide you and give you wisdom for the decisions you need to make.

Secondly, make sure that you and your fiance are on the same page when it comes to your values, goals, and priorities. Marriage is a partnership, and it's important to be united in your vision for the future.

Thirdly, take time to prepare yourselves emotionally and spiritually for the commitment you are about to make. Attend premarital counseling, read books on marriage and relationships, and seek advice from trusted mentors and friends.

Finally, remember that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and it requires ongoing effort and attention. But when we love and serve our spouse with Christ-like love, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in unity with another person.

Conclusion

As you prepare to enter into marriage, remember that God has been with you every step of the way. He has heard your prayers, seen your tears, and guided your steps. And He will continue to be with you as you embark on this new journey.

Take time to delight in Him, to seek His will, and to surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you. And as you enter into marriage, remember that it is a beautiful gift from God - a reflection of His love and unity.

May God bless your marriage and may you continue to seek Him and follow His will all the days of your life.