In light of my last post, I saw one of my entries in one of my tumblr blogs and I’d like to share it here š
====
June 27
Two are better than oneā¦if either of them falls down, one can help the other upā¦ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV.
Itās been a while since I posted anything on marriage, Iād like to post now because seeing this verse reminds me of a lot of things, especially the answer to whyĀ should I want to beĀ married someday.
Iāve been known by my friends as one who is very much aware of marriage. Whenever we spend a day or night in prayer, as Ā I meditate onĀ the scriptures, one of the questions I always ask God for is, what are the qualities I should pray for my future partner?āsome of which are posted here. (Why do I ask God that questionĀ instead of naming a few qualities myself, you ask? Ā that’s a LOONG STORY š )
I get teased about it sometimes, but I believe the reason behind my concern is that at a young age, my mom introduced me to theĀ crucial partnership between a husbandĀ and wifeāit will shape the children and their perspective and the generations to come.
There was actually a phase whenĀ I couldn’t decide on which one I prefer, to be single forever or to be married? both have their own form of blessings. Then it dawned on me, [upon reading the apostle Paul’s words on 1 Corinthians 7] that singleness is better. I believe I can serve the Lord more if I would just stay single, I can focus on Him and prioritize Him and spend more time to serve in his Kingdom without distractions.
So I asked the Lord what His will is, does He want me to marry someday or not? and many times He has given me the answer: āWhat is that to you?ā¦ you must follow me!ā and during one of our DIPs, upon reading Esther 2, I saw how Esther trained for the kingdom and excelled in the training, even though she wasn’t sureĀ if in the end she will be chosen as queen. It reminded me to focus on training and serving the Lord and not be concerned about the future because it is the Lord who holds it.
Eventually, my question changed. I was no longer concerned about whether I would get married or not. My question became, “If paul said it’s better not to marry then why should I desire to get married?” or “If I will be married someday, why?”.
Then came this verse…
Ecclesiastes4:9-10
āTwo are better than oneĀ because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,Ā one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who fallsĀ and has no one to help them up.ā
It was one of our memory verses during the Leadership Development Training, and when I read this, especially verse 9, I decided that If I will be married, it will be for this reason, and it will still be for Him and His kingdom.
I mean, why should I serve the king on my own when the Lord plans to give me a partner in labor for His kingdom and we’re more effective together? š
Thank you, Lord. Help me submit to whatever your will is!
===
Upon browsing the mentioned tumblr blog above, here’s a quote I’d also like to share š
“True love isnāt just expressed in passionately whispered words or an intimate kiss or embrace; before two people are married, love is expressed in self-control, patience, even words left unsaid.” –Ā Ā I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris (pg. 20)
PS. Ayan. Lovelife na naman topic ko :)) Yung panaginip ko kasi e! haha
PPS. Speaking of marriage,Ā sharingĀ Francis and Lisa Chan’s book on Marriage š which they also made available as PDF for freeĀ š
Where thoughts become visible. 