How to Know God's Will

QUESTION: How to Know God's Will - Who should I marry?

ANSWER:

Deciding on a spouse is one of the biggest decision of a person's life and it is often the most stressful! How to Know God's Will in a decision like this one, is very important. So how do we know God's will, especially in the area of marriage? As you know, the Bible does not come right out and say, "John, you and Sarah will get married on May 31." However, the Bible does give us some principles:

• Equally yoked -1 Corinthians 6:14-15 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?" God is very clear that believers in Jesus Christ should marry those who agree with them on eternal salvation.
  
  
• God's principles -God has established certain principles for married life. It is wise to study these principles as a couple and discuss whether or not you are in agreement. Some passages to study are Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Corinthians 7:1-16, Colossians 3:18-19, Titus 2:1-58, and 1 Peter 3:1-7. A married couple should be like-minded in these areas.
  
  
• Commitment and faithfulness -Do both people involved possess the maturity needed to join together for the rest of your lives? Marriage requires sacrifice and selflessness. Look at yourself and your potential spouse - how do you react to situations? How do you relate with family and friends? Do you agree on issues or morality, values, children, church involvement, etc.

Finally, it is essential for you and your potential spouse to go through a pre-marital counseling class with a pastor or trained Christian counselor. You will gain very valuable tools like building the foundation of your marriage on the Lord, dealing with conflict, financial planning, etc.

How to Know God's Will in this area often seems difficult, but remember God's words in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."