Some days we would like to be in a relationship, but then we consider our flaws and doubt if we should. Or we see all the challenges that couples face and we are not sure if we want to move forward. How do we know if we are ready or not?
In the Christian world, we often hear “be patient, God is preparing the right person for you”. We keep that in mind, and then as soon as we start having challenges while dating, we start to doubt if it’s really the “right person” for us. Or we begin to question ourselves if we are a good person to marry. Yet the idea that “God is preparing a special person” is not biblical! Believing in this misconception can break a relationship that could have been an excellent marriage.
The idea that God “prepares” someone also brings up the idea that a person might not be ready to date. So, how do we know if we are ready to invest ourselves in a relationship? First, what does the Bible say about that? It was not complicated at the time: as soon as a person was old enough to marry, their parents could marry them! Nowadays, to help build a more harmonious marriage, in addition to age, it is wise to consider other areas such as finances, spiritual life, and emotional health.
But of course, everyone agrees that we will never be “perfect” when we get married. We will never be 100% ready to get married or even start dating. It is possible that behind our answer: “I’m not ready” is hiding the fear of making mistakes. Would it be possible for someone to step back from a relationship and say “I’m not ready” because they realized the cost of living together and they don’t want to sacrifice themselves any further? Behind this excuse is usually another reason, which can be addressed.
If you are single and you feel that God is calling you to serve Him this way, you probably have the gift of celibacy and do not need to get married. However, if you are alone because you do not want to share your money or take care of another, or do not want to compromise. You do not have the gift of celibacy. You are simply selfish. And that’s not part of the character of Christ, so time to change!
God does not hide His will, you can ask Him to reveal it to you. During your time of personal devotion with God, if a verse seems to come out of the Bible to touch you personally, it is because God is speaking to you. If this verse makes you believe that God wants you to be married, it is because you are ready to take steps in that direction.
In short, if you are old enough to get married if you have been single for at least 1 year and you are free from all old relationships. If you have the desire to be in a relationship and you are convinced that it is God’s will for you. Do not complicate things. You are ready to enter into a relationship. Stop hiding behind excuses. Gideon was comfortable with his life and gave several excuses to the angel who promised him a better future (Judges 6). Because yes, the blessing of God will be obtained after having left our comfort zone, after having believed the promise, and after having fought with all kinds of enemies (emotional, psychological, spiritual), but this blessing is accessible. So get up, valiant hero, and enter your destiny! God is with you!