Stop Waiting for God to Send You the "Right One."

I see Christians so focused on things that, in the long run, don't matter. Whether it's dating, a job, a car, a house, or whatever the "right thing you need" is, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead of asking God to send you the "Right one," ask for God Himself. If you can't be content with only Jesus, you will never be content with anything or anyone. Here's a testimony for you: I've always wanted to be married and have a family. Ever since I could remember, I wanted to be a husband and father. Yet over the years, my views on marriage, sex, and family (especially on sex) got warped and twisted by my own evil desires and giving in, over and again to temptation. I chased women, and when I thought I found "the one," I compromised everything I knew I should hold on to. I thought since she was "the one" I could bend what I knew to be true, because it was meant to be. I ended up suicidal and broken. I chased items, objects, and all sorts of other things. Now I am paying down debts because I sought after things I did not need (pray for me please, we're still trying to get it knocked out, and it's a slow process!). When I came back to Christ, I made a decision: I wasn't going to chase after women, I was going to pursue God. I wouldn't be able to handle anyone unless I knew who I was (securely) in Christ First.

My life did not come in to focus until April 29th, 2007. That morning, I woke up with a contentment I never had before. Four years after almost killing myself over a relationship, I said "Lord, I don't need anyone else in my life but YOU to be happy. If it's just you and me forever, I'd be all right." I don't know if it is what God was waiting for, but that night I accidentally went on a date with my wife. I went to work the next day knowing I met my wife, and nearly 12 years and 11 wedding anniversaries later, we have 4 handsome and wonderful sons. I got the desires of my heart, but only after submitting fully to Christ, and not to get what I wanted out of the relationship. My answers to my lifelong prayers happened as a byproduct of faithfulness. I'm not saying God will give you everything you want. What I am saying is that if you find your peace and contentment, hope and joy ONLY in God, whatever Life hands you, you'll be able to handle it. You'll be content in what you have because what you have is Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4 English Standard Version (ESV)

4 Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b] help these women, who have labored[c] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share[f] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[g] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Footnotes:

a. Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21 b. Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow

c. Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)

d. Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness

e. Philippians 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned

f. Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in

g. Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account