7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for MarriageSample

Seek Godly Counsel

God will bring people into our lives to guide us and encourage us. Do you have those people? Seek out a mentor who is married and who has a godly marriage. Ask to spend time with them. Ask them questions about marriage and let them pour into you, then “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom," Proverbs 19:20. Listen to their experiences and the wisdom God has given them. This will help you process through things so you can handle challenges and learn more about putting Christ first in your marriage.

Every relationship encounters obstacles. Some people ignore them, and some let the obstacles scare them away. I want you to meet your obstacles head-on. Don’t be afraid. One of the best gifts you can give to your future marriage is to have confidence that, with God’s help, you and your future spouse can solve any problem you face. If you feel stuck, go to see a Christian Counselor. This is someone who will help you navigate those problems and learn how to resolve them together in a way that honors God and your marriage. Proverbs 12:15 says that “a wise man listens to advice.” It is not weak to ask for help; it is wise!

Before Nancy and I married, Nancy sought out a godly woman to help her prepare to be a wife. I don’t know all they talked about, but I do know one thing she told Nancy that has been a foundation of our marriage since our wedding night. This wise lady told Nancy that we needed to pray together, and we have. We have prayed together 99% of the almost 20,000 days we have been married. Nothing has had the impact on our marriage that prayer has. I am so thankful for that wise lady. “In an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov 11:14). Godly counsel will protect your future marriage, which is invaluable.

Next Steps:

• Find a mentor to walk through this season with you.
• Seek Christian counseling if you get stuck.