Unhooked: Holy in a Hookup WorldNäide

Day 32: Encounters

Read

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. –Proverbs 3:6

Connect

The world needs healthy, holy marriages because healthy, holy marriages illustrate God’s love.

A husband’s love for his wife and a wife’s love for her husband can powerfully point the people who witness that love toward Christ.

But marital love starts with a single encounter.

Future spouses first cross paths with each other in all sorts of places and ways—online, at church, at school, at work, or even at the grocery store.

Sooner or later, God may present you with a comparable opportunity, an encounter with a new man or woman who meets your standards—a potential spouse.

It’s important to trust that He will provide you with paths like that, paths that could lead to marriage, to your growth in holiness.

But God also trusts you—to make wise choices.

If you’re ready for an opportunity and a good one arises, He trusts you to take action. While He knows the desires of your heart, He isn’t going to force you to pursue them.

But if your desires align with God’s timing and His will for your life, He wants you to pursue them.

Maybe you desire a spouse, someone with whom to have a family and serve the Lord.

That means that you’ll have to do something important when you have encounters with men or women who interest you.

You’ll have to act on those encounters!

Ask for her number or give him yours. Agree to a date. And remember who’s with you while you do it: your good, good Father.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says:

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you..."

—Even as you pursue intimate relationships with others.

Pray

Lord, I trust that You will open doors to opportunities that are good for me. Thank You for trusting me to act on them. Please bless my future encounters with men and women—and help me to point all the people I meet toward You.

Reflect

At what places and events are you most likely to encounter single people who meet your standards? How often are you in those places and at those events? What can you do differently to better pursue the desires of your heart?