Ephesians 5:25 - “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
"Bria, will you marry me?" By the time these words were actually spoken, there wasn't a dry eye in the church. Demarcus Addington, so young and filled with love, professed his undying love and commitment to our own Bria Bradley, and proposed marriage before their families, friends and church congregation. What made this particular proposal so beautiful was the way Demarcus connected their love for each other with their love for Christ. Both young, powerful, up-and-coming ministers of the Gospel decided that they would soon marry and continue their ministry strongly united as one.
After the emotions of the surprise proposal started to calm, Bria admitted to feeling like something was going on the weeks leading up to the proposal. She didn't know exactly what was going on, but it made her uncomfortable. Her boyfriend was acting strange, her friends were being secretive and everything around her seemed off. After finding herself becoming uncertain and impatient, she started to pray, thinking something was wrong with her circle. That Sunday morning, Bria was scheduled to preach, so she decided to focus on God and His word and deal with her sneaky friends afterwards. Little did she know there was a wonderful surprise awaiting her. After months of planning, everything was in place for her surprise proposal. Right after her sermon during the closing prayer, Bria opened her eyes to what is now one of the greatest moments of her life. All of a sudden, the last few weeks became clear to her and she was thankful that she remained focused on God and not what seemed to be wrong around her. She saw clearly that Demarcus and their friends loved her and had a plan for life.
Our lives and relationship with God is the same way. He loves us so much and invites us to spend our lives with him. He knows our needs and hears our prayers and He's preparing us for something greater. But Satan is also there watching and listening. During this season of preparation, Satan makes it seem like things are not going right. He makes it seem like things are getting harder and the ones you love are against you. It may seem like God is so far away and not listening. Satan wants you to believe that everything just feels... wrong. Just remember that God loves us and will never leave us. We only need to be patient and wait on God and only listen for His voice. We can sometimes ruin our surprise by leaning to our own understanding, but trusting in the Lord completely allows Him to work out His plans for our lives... plans to prosper and not harm. Will you trust Him, even when it makes you uncomfortable? Will you allow Him to finish His plans for your life with Him?
Heavenly Father thank you for loving me unconditionally and inviting me to be with you forever. God help me to be patient and trusting as you work out your plans for my life. In your son's Jesus' name. Amen.
By: Min. April Carter
