Jeremiah 6:16a: “The LORD said to His people, “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths and where the best road is. Walk on it, and you will live in peace. ” Goodnews version
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. KJV
Ancient path simply means what has been working for time memorial…In other words, the “working-way of doing things”.
If you ever have to make a decision in life, or embark on a project as the case may be, then you need the ancient path. Christians are the most blessed persons on earth, because the manual of God’s principle (Bible) is made available for us, likewise, His Holy Spirit to interpret it to us.
I want to discuss in this article three (3) principles to follow to make the right decision in life that will lead to peace (REST).
Jesus Christ said in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST” I think you will agree with me that surrendering to JESUS is one of the most important decisions anyone will make. Once you get this right, every other decision will be a walkover. Because this episode is dedicated to singles, let us focus on marital decision.
Jeremiah 6:16a pointed something worthy of note; STAND AT THE CROSSROADS AND LOOK OR SEE – This means that you must not rush into a marital decision. Before you go ahead and say “Yes, I Do”, first stand and look. These are two powerful and important words!
Stand at the crossroads, stand in the way (who is the way, Jesus! John14:6) before you start the journey and equip yourself in order to have/possess the right weapon/materials to handle the challenges therein. Stand with the Holy Spirit as He leads you.
Then, the other important word is “SEE”, “LOOK”, that is, you need a vision, you need to have an end in view. You need to know what you want. What are the likely things you are expecting in your home? How do you want your home to look like? And Please, Pen it down…
You need answer to these questions before you begin the journey. You should not be ignorant nor rob yourself of what you want in your marriage.
Some people entered blank, and circumstances began to write in their blank sheets. Let your blank paper be inked by you, before experience starts putting their inks. In doing this, know the mind of God.
The second principle is ASK FOR THE ANCIENT/OLD PATHS – God is unchangeable. His ways/principles are perfect, right, just, true and leads to joy, Hebrews 13:8. Ask God to reveal His mind to you as regards marriage. The Lord says in Genesis 2:18, “…It is not good that the man should be alone, I WILL MAKE him a help meet for him”. But watch out for the word – I WILL MAKE. Do not make for yourself, why can’t you? Because you did not create yourself. Hence, you cannot know on your own or by yourself a help or companion suitable for you nor the man you are to help.
Therefore, for this second principle to be fruitful for you, the only one to ask from is GOD. Pray and study the Word, know God for yourself. The issue about marriage is not to be held with levity. Relying on people’s opinion is not the best way to go… God’s Word is complete/whole and true. He said it in Matthew 7:7a: ASK, and you will receive. Pastors/Prophets/Parents are fantastic set of guard for us, but they are to confirm what God has told you. You should not rely on them hearing from God for you, You should know God for yourself as well.
You need knowledge to interpret your vision, so that your vision can become a reality. Vision without knowledge, is like having eyes without the capability of seeing – its useless. If Joseph had not had a solution to the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, he might die a prisoner. Hence, you need the knowledge of God for marital fulfilment.
NOTE: While applying this second principle, you will not only know who you will marry, you will also learn basic things that will lead to successful marriage, and you will imbibe some values too.
The third principle is to WALK IN IT – Once you have applied the first two principles, it is important to know how to walk along the paths in order to be victorious and be a reference point, then, WALK in the light of the truth you have found. Follow the BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES of marital fulfilment.
I will conclude with Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s emphasis on 3 things that can cause marital delay. Spouse delay may come because you/your spouse to be are special and precious. God knows your future. Your future is settled with Him. He knows who is going to be your perfect partner and if you allow Him, He will perfectly work it out for you. Meanwhile, while waiting on God and trusting Him, be careful of shortfalls. Learn from Abraham and Sarah.
In quick succession, delay might be because you don’t like what God is presenting or it could be caused by forces of darkness, Daniel 10:1-14 and lastly, it can be due to your own disobedience. Numbers 22:10-32
The second one can easily be dealt with, but the first and the last point, you really have to speak to yourself and face yourself with the truth as you present your matter before God.
God’s choice will always be perfect for you, and part of the perfection is LOVE! You will also like the person.
I pray that you will have a beautiful home as God has purposed it for you in Jesus name. Amen!
Photo credit: Diekololaoluwa
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