SIMPLY ELEVATE SUMMER 2015 Summer 2015 | Page 57

and has time, he should choose a wife. Allow God to show him his purpose and then allow him to build and lead. Some of you are so quick to get married that you connect yourself with a man who doesn’t know how to lead. You will see later that God has called you to submit to his leadership. It is imperative that he is capable of instruction and leadership so that you may submit to his leadership as your husband. THE MARRIAGE What is God’s blueprint for marriage in His Word? Immediately, a very familiar passage comes to mind. Proverbs 18:22 declares that “he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” So, when a single man chooses a wife, the Bible tells us that it is good. This is monumental because God uses the same word, good, to describe everything he made in Genesis 1. Our God is so awesome, that He didn’t stop there. Not only is taking a wife good, but as a reward, 18:22 tells us that he shall also receive favor from the Lord. There you have it! Marriage is good and “every good and perfect gift comes from above.” AFTER THE VOWS Thankfully, God does not leave us without a blueprint after saying “I do.” It is His desire that our marriages withstand the test of time regardless of what challenges we face. He has provided a foundation for us to follow throughout His Word. Specifically, Ephesians 5: 22-33 illustrates clearly how we as believers should operate within www.simplyelevate.com 57