SO I HEARD YOU WERE ENGAGED?

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP 

SO I HEARD YOU WERE ENGAGED? 

(Isa 62:5) … as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. 

So I heard you were engaged?  No way!  That is fantastic news.  This is one of the happiest times of your life.  You have found the person of your dreams and the future is as wide open as the sky.  We are all so happy for you and wish you God’s best.  Here’s some things to take into consideration as you get closer to the altar: 

PREMARITAL COUNSELING – (Exo 18:1) Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you…  Get in contact with the pastor of your church as soon as possible and set up premarital counseling.  This will be a series of sessions focusing on what the Bible says about love and marriage.  Topics will typically include communication, money, Biblical roles of the husband and wife, parenting, conflict resolution, etc.  Then the three of you will go back and forth in discussion about the topic and then end up with prayer.  You would be surprised how many couples have never had premarital counseling.  Don’t let that be you!  Your marriage is important and you want to lay a good foundation.   

WEDDING OR MARRIAGE? – (Col 3:15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…  Wedding preparation can get crazy!  There is so much to do and plan for and you don’t really know until you jump in.  Find a good wedding planner check list and have fun with all the excitement.  Set a budget as a couple and stick to it.  You don’t want to enter marriage in debt.  Also, it is going to get really stressful toward the end and you might be at each other’s throat.  Don’t worry, this is normal.  You can practice how to have a spat and make up!  Take a break when you need to and have some fun.  And remember a wedding is one day but a marriage is for a lifetime! 

DEVOTIONS – (Mat 6:33) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Remember to read the Word of God and pray together regularly.  This will set the stage for a solid marriage.  If you’re too busy now then what makes you think it will get easier when you are married?  The man should take the incentive here and be the spiritual leader of the relationship.  Also going to church together and Bible study is essential for your spiritual growth.   Balance out all the material preparation with the spiritual preparation that is needed and watch God bring everything together for you.   

CONFIDENCE – (Heb 10:35) Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  During your engagement you may experience some conflicting feelings.  Am I really ready for this?  Will I be a good spouse?  Do I have what it takes?  Will I be able to love the way I should love?  Am I ready for two when I’ve been solo for so long?  Will the in-laws accept me?  Answer all these questions with the one most important question:  Has God called us together?  If He has then fall back on that calling and move forward with confidence.   

Louie