Candidate for Mr. Right

Lord knows patience is at practice while waiting for God to send us single women a husband. Yet, so often, women of God are out looking for any ole’ Mr. Good Guy, instead of allowing Mr. Right to find us.

Recently, I found myself pouting when I met another guy who isn’t Mr. Right. A candidate for Mr. Right is no longer just who I like, but I’ve come to the understanding of three things: 1) Although there are many fish in the sea, there is only one Mr. Right for me; 2) God knows just who he is; and 3) he will find me.

As we grow in Christ, our choices change. We begin to desire the things of God and less worldly things; we begin seeking His will rather than our own. When I was in the world, if the brotha’ was decent looking, had a job, didn’t have a woman, and was nice (I was a sucker for “nice” guys) then he was a prime candidate for being my man. Now, the criteria is different. First of all, I don’t want just a man, I want a husband. Secondly, he must be a man of God. This goes beyond the former “plus” for the brother saying he was a Christian. Truly being equally yoked includes the level of spiritual maturity as well. For me, Mr. Right must know God, not just know of him. Coming from a long line of strong, domineering women, submission has always been a challenge. I strive in this area, but since I must, I will feel eased by submitting to a man that himself is submitting to Christ. Thus, he must have a personal relationship with Jesus. Otherwise, we may be in conflict, because I won’t trust the decisions he makes for the household. Better yet, give me a man after God’s own heart and on fire for the Lord. Yeah!

What is interesting to me, even with the criteria changing, some of the things that I was attracted to still linger. By nature, women are nurturers. Topped off with a heart to encourage others, I realize that I’m attracted to people who need guidance. I am able to see potential in everyone simply because I know that God has a purpose for them and the power to change lives. This is fine for ministry, but my mind must be renewed in this sense for a husband. A woman of God once told me how rather than desiring a man to help obtain, I must desire a man to help maintain. Hearing that was one of those “Wow” moments for me. This wisdom stems from looking at Adam and Eve in the garden. Adam already had the garden. God gave him Eve as a help mate to assist in maintaining what Adam already had. So, Mr. Right should already have some fruit (both spiritual and natural).


Finally, there is the issue that we experience looking at our own eligibility. Growing in age, with children of my own and increased inches around the waistline, seems that I may not be a prime selection myself in the physical sense. But a man of God seeks a godly woman above all things. Here, we can draw on the faith of Ruth,whose mother-in-law Naomi was too old to bare a son for her to wed after Ruth’s husband died. Surely, Ruth desired to have a husband, yet she continued on in her mission to care for Naomi. In the process, God blessed her with Boaz. So, as we continue in the will and work of God, we position ourselves to meet up with Mr. Right. This includes areas in our personal lives. Likewise, I believe God is working on that soon-to-be-blessed-because-he-will-have-found-a-good-thing-in-us man of God too. Even if you’re a loner like me, only going to church and grocery shopping is often the highlight of my week, God knows exactly where you’re at. If we depend on Him, Mr. Right will find us there… right in the center of God's will.

Are You Ready to Go with God's Flow?

Your Vision is coming to pass, or perhaps it’s a Breakthrough or the Blessing you have been endlessly praying for… has finally arrived. Are you ready?

How devastating it must have been as Moses stood on Mount Nebo overlooking the beautiful, rich land of Canaan. How awful he must have felt, knowing that he had led the Children of Israel out of bondage and dealt with that complaining generation for 40 years, only to die on the very mountain he stood upon; never to enter, never to experience the joys of the vision God placed in his heart.

Is it actually possible to miss out on God? Are we, as mere humans, capable of not fulfilling what the Sovereign God desires for our lives? We know that God’s will is that all men be saved. But, are they? Not so. So then, what can cause us to miss the blessings that God has for us? The same thing that caused Moses to not enter the Promise Land… disobedience.

I remember attending a sermon where the preacher asked how many people had been following God for a year or more. Almost everyone raised their hands. Then he asked about 5 years and 10. There were at least 100. But then he asked how many were living the abundant life God said we should live. Sadly, only 3 were walking in abundance. He then pointed out that the doers of the Word are the ones who experience abundance.

Being a doer of the Word is being obedient to both what the Word says and what the Holy Spirit leads us to do. Many of us are forever praying. Yet, do we fail to “listen” to God’s response, which is almost always a set of instructions? If we do listen, what priority do we place on doing those things? When I was growing up, if Mama told us to do something, we better do it right then and there. She didn’t have to explain anything. We knew better.

Likewise, what sense of urgency do you place on what God says to do? I’m not just talking about the big things. Sometimes, we can overlook the seemingly minor tasks, like meditating on a Scripture or calling someone you “don’t feel like” talking to. Unknowing that the Scripture we read would give us the answer we’ve been seeking. Calling that person might open some doors to place us at the precise location where our blessing resides. God has an appointed place and time for everything, and it’s not all about us as individuals. So, if we don’t show up for whatever reason, the show must go on… with or without us.

Have you ever made a wrong turn and when you finally reached your destination, it was too late to proceed? Maybe the door was shut, like the five foolish virgins. Or, perhaps someone got the last spot or bought the last one. Urgh! I’ve been there before. If only I had left a little earlier. If only I had paid more attention to directions.

Only the Father knows when Jesus will return. Likewise, God may reveal His will to us, but seldom do we know when our time is coming. People of God, listen for the Holy Spirit and respond promptly. Don’t wait until it’s convenient or when you feel like doing it. I am definitely guilty of putting too much thought into things and taking forever to make decisions. Forever is wayyyy too long. When God says “Go” you’ve got to move with His flow! Your vision will surely come to pass. His Word doesn’t return to Him void. Will you be in position when the time arises? Will you be ready to go with the flow?

Detours, Ditches and Distractions

As we run the race to live a life pleasing to God, to accomplish his will in our lives, know that the enemy too is running. He’s running to and fro seeking whom he can devour. I don’t like to give him a lot of attention, but as soldiers in God’s army, we must know that any good strategy incorporates knowing your enemy. Let us not be ignorant of his devices (strategies). Using deception, he presents detours, ditches and distractions to divert us from the race.

God checked me today! “What are you doing?” Right in the middle of praise and worship, He asked me why was I giving in to a situation that wasn’t consistent with what He had told me. Why have I been allowing myself to get… distracted? The Spirit said you have been in this race for far too long to stop or switch up just short of your blessing. Though it tarry, His promise will surely come to pass. Don’t stop, shift or settle! It’s only a diversion.

That key word sent up red flags. Immediately, I recognized this as one of the enemy’s schemes. He uses people and situations to deceive us. He tries to divert us with detours, ditches and distractions, hoping we’ll get off track, knowing we bring glory to God when His promises are fulfilled in our lives. Deception is trickery; fraud. It is making things “appear” differently. It is FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) if we fall prey to it. But the devil is a lie! We walk by faith and not by sight. Let the enemy’s plots be exposed as we continue in the race!

Detours: A different route. Perhaps, we don’t see how God is going to fulfill the promise. So, the enemy presents a detour, that is “seemingly” the only possible route. However, by faith, we know there is no roadblock ahead. Have you ever thought that if I just turn here, if I just do it “this” way, I can make it happen? Are you tempted to “assist” God like Sarah? She thought she would help God out in by giving Hagai to Abraham. Lord knows, He doesn’t need our help in determining the way. He just wants us to follow His way. The detour is only a diversion.

Ditches: Illusions of a pitfall. Do you think you lack some “thing” that leaves a hole in God’s plan for your life? It may “appear” that if we keep moving forward without it, we will fall. We may fail. People tell us that it’s impossible for us to achieve our goals. We know with God that all things are possible. He equips us with everything we need. We are not lacking anything, not even within ourselves. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13) The ditch is only an illusion… when you see it… JUMP!

Distractions: Wandering off course. Maybe this is my personal issue, but by far one of the most frequently used diversion against me. I can be running the race, got a good stride going, then… BOOM! Out of no where something “appears” attractive. Hmmm... Maybe this is God? It looks good, sounds good, but my spirit tells me otherwise. Know that the enemy knows our weaknesses, as well as our desires, even the things we pray for out loud to God. He can present decoys, that “appear” to be the real thing, but surely after time, you will know it. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (Prov. 10:22) It seems like distractions are running rampant about me lately, so Hallelujah! My blessing must be near!

Surely, the enemy can present to us detours, ditches and distractions. However, it is only through our own doing that they will become a hindrance. If we respond in fear, with lust or other selfish desires, we fall prey to the diversion and get off track. By faith and obedience, we stay on course. Be encouraged my sisters and brothers… Praise God! For He is able to keep us from falling!

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ~Jude 1:24-25