Daily Devotional, Dec 21, 2023 Never too early

“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14

It was early in the afternoon, and as she cultivated her plants, my friend Lolit started conversing with me about the future spouse of her 13 year-old son. Her only son. Lolit told me she has started praying for a good wife for her boy, and she believes it is never too early. She said she wanted someone godly, someone who would love her son for who he is.

That got me thinking, that I too should pray for a good spouse for each of my three children as early as now. While I know that the Lord has planned all these things in advance, I know too that He has given them the free will to have future relationships, and connect with someone they like.

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'” Genesis 2:18

And so aside from praying for a future spouse for my children, I decided to initially pray that they have a personal encounter with the Lord and build a relationship with Him first before pursuing connections with the opposite sex. That they are happy and content with loving and following Jesus, and have Him as their number one priority.  

By abiding in Him, the chances of my children falling in love with the wrong person, and making wrong decisions will be almost nil. And that because they wait on the Lord, they will not fall into the impatience of going for who is there even if he or she does not possess a godly character.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5

It is also my prayer that my children could see beyond physical features, financial wealth, success, and humor in their possible marriage partners. That their standard will be high enough to prioritize choosing someone that has good character and values Christlikeness, servant-leadership, and benevolence.

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax,and works with willing hands.” Proverbs 31:10-13

I have also decided to pray that my kids will have the fortitude to not have relationships too early in their lives, and that they could avoid bad ones as well as immorality. That they can uphold the Lord’s commands in their heart, and they will draw strength from what will make God happy.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

I am also praying that my children will continue to honour us as their parents, and put weight on our opinions on their future spouses no matter their age. That the Lord will guide us in parenting them during their season of choosing someone to marry.

Moreover, I am deeply praying that they remain pure until the day they get married. That they will not give in to the ways of the world, as they pursue lasting relationships. 

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” Psalm 119:9

I have faith that God will guide my children as they build their own families. I will hold on to my prayers that my girls will shun a dashing Prince Charming for someone who adores and follows the Prince of Peace. That my son will end up with someone who fears God, will submit to him, and possesses the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman. That my children themselves will be godly spouses and find strong friendship, peace and long lasting love in a God-centered marriage.

So are these prayers plain wishful thinking? Not if you have faith in a Mighty God and a Heavenly Father who only wants the best for you and your children.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on  Proverbs 31:10-31 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question:  Have you thought of praying for the future spouse of your child?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, I pray that you guide me in raising my children to become more like you. Give me the physical and emotional strength to help them develop a good character that will help them become godly persons who will live their lives for you. Amen.