November 25                                   Mal 3 - 4

MANIPULATION?

MEORISE: “The meek will he guide in judgement; and the meek will he teach his way.’ (Ps 25:9)
READ: Acts 1:15- 26

Divine guidance is vital for anyone contemplating marriage. This is because marriage can either make or mar you. You have to truly seek God’s face in prayer. It is very dangerous to move without God’s green light. ‘The meek will he guide in judgement; and the meek will he teach his way’ (Ps 25:9).

Many people pray TO God for the right partner. Only a few receive guidance from him. God will only guide the meek: those who are humble, ready to listen, and prepared to obey his will. The fact here is that some Christians are not as sincere as they would like us to believe. They may say, “Lord, give me your perfect will for my life in marriage. I am ready to do your will.” But when God reveals his choice, they find fault with it and begin to dictate to God.

Immediately some Christians feel the person God is asking them to marry does not meet with their carnal standards, they begin to kick and even reject him or her for some other choice. Why o you ask God to choose for you if at the end of the day, you reject God’s choice? This is insincerity. God’s ways are not ours, God may choose someone you do not think is ‘your type’. It takes meekness to believe that God knows what is right for you and God’s choice is the best choice you can ever have.

Do not manipulate things to suit yourself. Some brothers, after making a carnal choice, will later fabricate a testimony to back up their desire. A sister once sought God’s will in marriage. God asked her to look out of the window and the man she would see was the one. It happened to be a young, handsome gateman who wanted to go to school but had no means. The sister told her pastor and on inviting the brother, he said God had spoken to him long before then but he had been afraid to tell her. The sister succumbed, sponsored the brother through school and they eventually married. Why not for once be sincere with God and ask him without anyone in mind? He will direct only those who allow him.

ACTION POINT
Ask the Lord to give you the grace to be willing to receive his guidance.
Pray for two fellow Christian who desperately needs prayer.