My wife and I got to know each other when she came and asked me to help her start up a community wide youth ministry. As we worked together, feelings for her began stirring within me. I found myself confused saying to myself, “I have these feelings for her, but what should I do?”
When we are in these situations, our human emotions, friends and the cultural influences tell us to move quickly. Ask him or her out. Then go on a second date. Then it’s the first touch of the hands. The first embrace. The first kiss. The first, “I love you. Then marriage. And all this, 0 to 60, in just a few months. Where is the budding romance? Where is the love story to retell children and grandchildren?
We want whatever we want instantly. We think because we can instantly access movies, music, our money and a host of other things, we ought to have an instant relationship with instant love and happiness. Let’s slow down! That kind of thinking leads to divorce, unplanned pregnancies, adulterous affairs, emptiness and countless broken hearts.
Listen to the wisdom of God who says, do “not stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (Song of Solomon 3:5). God is warning us not to awaken the passions of love too soon. There is divine wisdom in employing self control over our emotions, while letting the shrouded mysteries of love stir within us. Over time we allow it to mature, grow and become a blossoming beautiful flower that can be cut at its peak of beauty at just the right time.
God created us with the capacity for love. When we follow His plan there is fulfillment. How do we know when to move forward and awaken love? The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6). Our path seems anything but straight while walking through the ups and downs of love. Fortunately, the Lord straightened my path and led me to marry Kathe. When we turn our lives to Jesus and seek Him He’ll give us the clarity and direction we need. He is the author of this crazy love and it’s no mystery to Him. May Jesus be your hope for today in love and life.
