Stay On Mission
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“ Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” – II Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV)
My friend met the man of her dreams. She e-mailed us to let us know she was leaving town and getting married.
Happy for her, I smiled and continued reading. She described his killer smile, his sense of humor, his hard work at a thriving business, and his love for family. I was about three paragraphs into the e-mail when I read a sentence that made my heart sink.
“He doesn’t know Christ yet, but he is interested in spiritual things. I think that will come soon. He’s so close.”
I didn’t have a working phone number to reach her, so I prayed for God to give me the words to craft a gentle, grace-filled written response. I told her that I loved her and wanted her to be happy, but as her friend and sister in Christ, I wanted to ask her some questions that might prevent her from making a choice that would lead to a heartbreaking crash in her future.
The Apostle Paul challenged the believers in Corinth to not yoke themselves to an unbeliever. In marriage, couples must partner together to carry the heavy weights of this broken world. It’s impossible to work together as one when your spouse is pulling in a completely different direction. Rather than plowing the ground and harvesting abundance as a team, you end up standing apart on a barren, empty field of broken dreams.
Marriage is more than a relationship. Marriage is a covenant of two hearts surrendered to Christ. In Song of Solomon 4, we see the intimacy of the lover and his bride. They are one in body, in heart, and in spirit. He calls her his sister and his spouse because their communion is completely pure.
Marriage is a picture of our relationship with Christ, and settling for anything less will never lead to full intimacy.
If you are single, heed the advice of Solomon and “do not stir up or awaken love until the appropriate time (Song of Solomon 2:7, HCSB). Missionary dating is never a wise choice. Our mission is to stay focused on Christ. He will open the door to marriage when the time is perfect and pleasing to Him.
Let’s Talk: If you are married, how did God help you stay on mission during your single season? I’d love to hear your love story!
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“Stay on Mission” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo and on You Version as part of the reading plan The Secret: How Do You See Love.
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I am sharing “Stay on Mission” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Intentional Tuesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.
I married the “man of my dreams” when I was 22. I thought that he would grow, and develop the depth of love that I had for Jesus at that time. Three and a half years later, and with our daughter only 10 months old, he decided that he didn’t want to “play the game” any more, nor “share his love” with Jesus. He walked out, leaving me heart-broken, and with a daughter to raise. He disappeared out of our lives two years later. For years, I struggled with trust, and wondered if God would ever bring a man who loved HIM into my life.
I raised my daughter, and finally came to the point where I decided that if God had someone for me, then He would provide him. My heart finally came to the point that if I was doing what God had for me to do, where He had me, then HE would provide. I claimed Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” In claiming this, I knew that MY desires would line up with His – if I delighted in Him – and sought His guidance first.
Almost thirty years later (yes – 30!), God brought Paul into my life. We had dated in college, and had remained in contact through the years as he and his wife served on the mission field in South America. His wife passed away a few years ago, after a long struggle with cancer. We renewed our friendship, and in July of 2015, we were married. I can tell you, that waiting 30 years was worthwhile! I am amazed at God’s provision and blessing at this stage of my life. God is blessing our relationship, and we are privileged to minister together at our church, and in the ministry that he is working for.
I came from that “barren field of broken dreams” to a life full of blessings and joy. Marrying someone who shares my love for the Lord, encourages me to grow, and challenges me to continue serving Him is a blessing that I never thought that I would experience. BUT – having this blessing at 58 years young is worth every minute, every day, of waiting for HIS perfect plan to come to fruition in my life!
Love this post, sweet friend! So, so very true and great advice.
it’s so hard to pass this advice on when they are already so connected and “in love.” bless you and her!
Oh yes, I fully understand this road…praying for her, friend. I am glad you did the brave thing and lovingly reached out to her. Blessings!
Before being married it is so hard to grasp this directive of Jesus. Especially from the heart of someone who wants to help – wants to be the reason someone comes to Christ. I pray my children will fully grasp this and marry spouses who love Jesus deeply! Thanks, Lyli, for this wise post!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Such wise advice, Lyli! This message gets hushed in our culture, so I’m glad you were willing to share it. And thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.