Many of God’s daughters put a lot of effort into relationships that were never meant to end in marriage. When these relationships drag on, they often bring a burden that takes time to notice. By the time you realize you’re on the wrong track, it can be hard to change direction.
Sacrifice is a very necessary part of life. In relationships, good and not so good, this means that we have to let go of something that no longer serves us to acquire what we desire most. Jesus Christ teaches us this principle in Mark 8:34-35 (NLT): “Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.’” He shows us that letting go of our own desires and comforts to follow him gives us something far greater than anything we could lose.
Heavenly Father doesn’t want us to settle for less or to experience lack and loneliness. Instead, He desires for us to mature spiritually and grow in faith, as stated in Hebrews 5:14 (NLT): “Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” He guides us towards what is best for us, helping us avoid choices that lead to heartbreak and disappointment.
It’s true that there can be long periods between meeting someone who might be a good match, but we can’t allow this to be an excuse to forgo God’s wisdom and discernment. When the chemistry seems right, many of us rush into a physical relationship without waiting for God’s confirmation about whether this person is the one He has chosen for us. We bind ourselves to someone that God did not ordain to walk with us through life. This can leave us with a burden of sin that impede our relationship with God and cause us to miss opportunities that lead to increased blessings.
Matthew 19:16 (NLT) tells us, “Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” After Jesus Christ listed some of the commandments that govern godly and moral living, the young man told Jesus that he had obeyed all those commandments. Matthew 19:21-22 (NLT) tells us, “21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
The young man was sad because Jesus’ requirement to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor challenged him to give up his wealth and material security, which he was very attached to. His many possessions were a big part of who he was and what made him feel secure, so the idea of giving them all up was really tough for him to handle. Like the young man who was upset by Jesus’ words, we too can struggle with prioritizing the things of God’s Kingdom over our desire for relationships, people, and material wealth. The young man’s reaction reflects the challenge we face when trying to choose spiritual responsibility and commitment over our attachments.
Heartache and disappointment can help open our eyes to James 1:5 (NLT), which encourages, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” Heartbreak is often the place where the truth of our desperate need for God’s guidance in our decisions about relationships finally lands and becomes clear. Hindsight helps us reflect on our lives and recognize that waiting on the one God sends is always best. Ultimately, the journey of faith requires both sacrifice and commitment, but it promises a reward that far exceeds anything we may give up. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“When Truth Lands” written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.