How do you know when you've found "the one"? Does God handpick that person, and how can you tell He brought you together for a purpose?
One person might say that if the path was obstacle-filled, yet you made it, it means you were brought together for a reason, while another might say that if it comes easily, then it's meant to be. The fact of the matter is that both statements are not only true but can be true at the same time.
God doesn't do anything by happenstance. Therefore, when he pairs us together, it is most assuredly done for a reason. Not only that, but the scripture tells us that we are meant to grow in our faith. Part of that spiritual growth includes learning our purpose, both as individuals and as spouses.
Paul's reference to Genesis 2:24 (NIV) in Ephesians 5:31 (NIV) is one of many passages from scripture that support God's view of marriage, implying that He brings together two people for the unit. After all, if He expects a man to leave his family to become one flesh with his wife, it is reasonable that He would be responsible for bringing them together.
So, how do we discern God's divine purpose in our union? Let's talk about seven signs that suggest God's hand in your holy matrimony.
Unusual or Unforeseen Circumstances
Serendipitous encounters, overcoming significant obstacles to be together, and feeling an inexplicable pull are all examples of situations where your paths may cross in unexpected ways. God guides us to where we are meant to be, so it stands to reason that when seemingly unusual or unforeseen circumstances arise and have a direct correlation to our coming together, God has timed and placed us with a purpose.
Shared Values and Core Beliefs
While opposites attract, shared values and core beliefs play a massive role in keeping us together. For Christians, God is placed ahead of the marriage, the marriage is then placed ahead of the children, and if children are involved, they become the third priority. Everything else falls in line accordingly.
Deep alignment in the fundamental values of faith, family, ethics, and life goals points to a purposeful union. This foundation provides strength and stability for couples, which serves to fulfill your shared mission.
Complementary Strengths and Gifts
God gifts us with our strengths and unique abilities with the intention that we will use them to honor and glorify Him. When He is at the root of our faith, He considers our individual talents and skills to bring spouses together that complement, balance, and support each other for that purpose.
He wants us to use these complementary gifts together to serve others. This will allow us to achieve extraordinary things together.
A Shared Vision or Passion
Our relationships empower us to pursue our goals. God is especially involved in cases where you and your spouse share a common dream, cause, or passion that you both feel strongly about.
God uses our passions to help us make the most impact on the world around us.
Mutual Growth and Spiritual Development
In our pursuit of growing in faith, God often uses our marriage to navigate life's challenges and to encourage each other. This concept enables us to overcome our weaknesses as a unit by working together to promote that growth.
This also ties back to the idea that our talents and strengths complement each other. In instances where one spouse is weak, the other lifts them up, and then, when the tide changes, the other spouse returns the favor.
A Deep Sense of Peace and Confirmation
There is a significant difference between infatuation and the profound sense of a God-centered peace and confirmation that we feel for our spouse when we know that God has brought us together.
It is noteworthy to mention that this confirmation can come from external sources, such as answered prayers and trusted individuals. However, one should err on the side of caution when it comes to taking unsolicited advice from fellow humans, as they may or may not mean well, and ultimately, your union is none of their business.
Keeping God first and protecting your marriage adds to that peace and confirmation you feel in your heart.
A Desire to Serve Others Together
Our relationships tend to naturally lead us to want to give back to our community or the world in some way. Couples can align their shared gifts and priorities to enhance their ability to make a positive impact on others.
What does the desire to serve others together look like? The sky is truly the limit here. Perhaps you would like to support your home church by teaching a Sunday school class or Bible study. Or you both love kids and volunteer together for Vacation Bible School or the Youth Group summer camp.
Other options can include supporting the local food pantry or leading fundraising efforts for a charity whose cause you support. These are all ways you can feed the desire to serve others together.
Additionally, serving together to fulfill God's purpose is one of many topics that couples can pray over for guidance.
How do you know if God brought you and your spouse together for a purpose? If unforeseen or unusual circumstances brought you together, the unseen guidance may have been God. When you and your spouse share a core belief system and values, complementary strengths and gifts, and a shared vision or passion, one can argue that divine intervention may have played a role in your choice to be together.
For reference, consider Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), which states, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Mutual growth, spiritual development, serving others together, and feeling a deep sense of peace and confirmation about your marriage are further indicators that God brought you together for a purpose.
