It all comes down to trust. It seems to always come down to trust, doesn’t it? No matter what the situation, no matter what we are waiting for, no matter how hurt we are, no matter what decisions we make, it all comes down to that word, “trust”. So tell me, do you like to take things into your own hands, or do you trust God?
As I was reading today’s passage I had to smile. If we are honest, we have to admit we have all done something to try to cause that “chance” rendezvous. I can’t say I have joined a ministry to be closer to a man I was interested in, or that I have switched churches to find a more singles-rich environment, but yes, I have lingered at times, hoping for a chance to say hello or have a conversation. I have also gone to an event because there was more of a chance that there would be single males there, even if I weren’t 100% interested in the event itself.
I struggle with “putting myself out there”. To say there is a shortage of single men in my church would be an understatement. As I sit here and think about it, there are probably less than 10 men that would be appropriate for me to even consider as a possibility (and that may be being generous) and if I am not involved in church activities, I am involved in my son’s activities, which means even if I am around men, they are married dads. So yes, sometimes I wonder how I will ever meet someone if I am never around single Christian men. That is when I can fall into the trap of taking things into our own hands.
The hard part, for me, is knowing what is walking in faith, and what is taking things into my own hands. Is going to an event I am not totally sold on walking in faith, because I need to give God opportunities and sitting in my house or at my singles starved church won’t do that? Or is it taking things into my own hands because it’s not something I would have normally chosen to attend and I am trying to force God’s hand?
Another time this question comes up for me is when the topic of online dating comes up. Some (married) friends have asked me whether I have considered doing e-Harmony or another Christian dating site. Cost aside, I have the same questions. Is that really having faith in God if I go onto these sites, or am I trying to speed up a process that God may already have in place that has nothing to do with the computer? Is it opening myself up to temptations when I should be focusing somewhere else? Or will God use this method to give me the man He has been preparing for me? How do we know? We need to check our hearts.
The last part of the passage really made me think. How is your heart preparation? When we get ready for church, or a singles event, or a small group, whatever it is, and you know “he” or “they” will be there, do you spend as much time preparing your heart, like Ruth, as you do preparing your physical appearance, like Orpah? I can humbly and honestly say I never even thought of doing something like that. I make sure I shower, do my hair, makeup, try to find a cute outfit, the whole deal. I have never taken even 10 minutes to spend praying and talking to God. Think about the difference that might make. Not only will we look cute, but our heart is softened and opened to the will of God.
When we talk to someone at church, maybe we won’t be thinking about saying the right thing, we will know that God will give us the right words. How does that sound? Instead of wondering if we should be spending time with this man, we will be open to the nudging of the spirit and He will let us know if we are where we belong. Don’t we want a man that is interested in more than what we have on the outside? I am reminded of the quote, “A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.” Well then ladies, I urge you, spend just as much time preparing your inside as you do preparing your outside. Then you will be amazingly beautiful to the man God has for you.
Let’s Pray
Lord I ask You to work on our hearts today. We may not always have the purest of motives, even when we think we do. But You know. You know what is in our hearts. According to Your word “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2). Help us to discern our true motives when we make the choices we do. We want to have a heart like You, and we need You to help us with that. Help us to trust You, to truly believe that Your plans are the best plans for us. Through the tough situations, the waiting, the hurts, the hard choices, help us to know You are there for us and, as always, have only the best intentions for us. We love You Lord and want Your will for us. Amen.
Your Assignment:
Please leave a comment below about chance rendezvous that you have tried to create.
Thoughts to ponder:
Have you ever made a major decision based on finding a mate? If so, what was the outcome? How about the little things we do? Share some experiences you have had.
When getting ready to go somewhere do you spend as much time on heart preparation as you do on physical preparation? If so, have you seen a difference? Is this a new concept for you? If it is, do you intend on making any changes?
God bless,
Michelle
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