A lady discovered her fiancé’s shocking secret just a day before their church wedding, during the traditional marriage ceremony. He already had a wife and family elsewhere. The wedding was abruptly called off, leaving the lady heartbroken, and her family humiliated. Today, she’s happily married to someone else.
Friend, learn to investigate before you invest (Jeremiah 33:3). Especially in marriage, there are some investments that are irretrievable. Why would you court someone for five years only to later discover that your genotype is not compatible? Why would you marry someone who’s a serial adulterer without knowing (Hebrews 13:4)? You did not investigate properly.
One of the reasons why patience and proper guidance in marital choices are not a waste is because of the surprises that often spring up in marriage (Proverbs 31:1-9). Marriage is full of surprises. But be sure that yours is not an unpleasant and unbearable surprises. There are some things you must find out before you get married to someone (1 Samuel 25:25).
How did Jacob get to sleep with Leah instead of Rachael (Genesis 29:25)? He either played smart or was deceived as recorded in the Bible. If love is blind, marriage will open your eyes. True love is never blind. Agape is highly sensitive and discerning (Philippians 1:9-11). Some people courted Rachael only to wake up and find Leah beside them. Be careful.
Like the lady in our opening story, not everybody will be so lucky to escape (Luke 22:31-32). What she might have seen as a disappointment was actually a deliverance in disguise. God does not normally interrupt His people. He often interrupts the devil in their lives. I pray for you today; may the Lord interrupt the devil in your life (2 Peter 2:16). May your disappointment turn to deliverance and destiny!
Prayer, patience, and proper guidance are important for safety in marriage (Isaiah 28:16). Don’t rush things. Pray and pray through. Carry the right authority figures along. Listen to the voice of wisdom. Be sensitive and discerning. When the voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau, the enemy is lurking around (Genesis 27:22). Investigate before you invest.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria