Wow, ladies…I have to say, this section of the chapter really hit close to home in many ways. And to be honest, part of me started to balk as I was reading this. “I can’t write about that! I can’t talk about that!” or “I don’t know what to say!” Of course, I know this is a ploy of the enemy to try to get me to shy away from a difficult topic, so here I humbly sit writing this post for me, as much as every reader out there. I pray you are blessed.
Seek me with all your heart. How many of us long to have a man who is willing to do just that? Exactly what does that look like? And how do we cultivate that in our relationships? This is no easy question. I believe that we have to walk a delicate line when we are attracted to a man. In the book John and Stasi state, “Don’t offer everything, but don’t offer nothing.” How do we know what is too much…not enough? This is something we cannot do on our own. This is when we must lean into the arms of Jesus and seek His guidance. Fervently pray for discernment and wisdom when entering into any relationship.
We also need to remember that “don’t offer everything” not only includes the physical, but also the emotional. I have had some trials in my life, like most of us, and in the past I have found myself spewing forth every detail of my past to someone who, in reality, I barely knew. We have to realize that this isn’t necessary; as with anything else, the reveal should be slow and based on increased intimacy with a man. When we find ourselves sharing so much so soon, we also have to look at our motivations for doing it. Are we longing for intimacy so much that we are forcing the issue? Are we sharing every skeleton in our closet to scare any potential mate away? Or are we just not using good judgement?
We deserve to be valued, and not every man deserves all of us ladies. Guard your treasures—physical, emotional, and spiritual—to share with the man the Lord provides. We cannot avoid this challenge in our journey but, when we trust in our Lord and seek His guidance completely and fully, the results will all be worth it. Remember the words in Matthew 6:33 (NLT) – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
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LET’S PRAY:
Father, I ask You to guide us. You know this journey isn’t an easy one. It can be so hard to know how much is too much when we delve into the world of dating. We pray that we always keep You first, because then all that follows will be pure. Guard our hearts, mind our tongues, and keep us close as we learn to discern Your voice in the chaos. Thank You for loving us with a love like no other. In Your Heavenly Name we pray. Amen.
YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
In which aspect do you find it hardest to find the balance between “not enough” and “too much?” Is it spiritual? Physical? Emotional? In what ways do you turn to God for guidance?
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michelle, i just LOVE that you applied the promise from God in matthew 6:33 to this issue! <3
I can’t take credit for that one Coleen…that was all Christi. 🙂
This part of the chapter especially spoke to me, because “giving myself up too easily” is something I’m definitely guilty of in my past… it’s nice to know though that there are others out there who feel the same way and have made the same mistakes…and I know that God forgives me, but boy is it hard to let go of the past and forgive yourself!!!