Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) declares, “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.’” Understanding who you belong to early in adulthood can radically transform your life. When you recognize your identity in Christ, your perspective on relationships shifts from one of fear and doubt to a place of warmth and light. Instead of chasing after love out of desperation, you start to see it through the lens of divine purpose.

Many people rush into relationships too soon, often viewing God as small and their partner as overwhelmingly significant. Isaiah’s powerful reminder cuts through that confusion: the only one worthy of your complete focus, energy, and devotion is the one true God. When you anchor your identity in Him, you set the stage for healthy, fulfilling relationships that reflect His love rather than your insecurities.

Asking for love is the same as asking for permission to offer your comfort zone as a sacrifice. When we’re praying to God for marriage, this is vital information we can’t overlook. It compels us to question whether we’re asking for more than we can handle. Even though relationships between a man and a woman can seem overwhelming at times, they are designed by our Heavenly Father to be a blessing for both individuals. However, if you ask for more than you can handle, you risk attracting what keeps you stuck in your current situation. To truly ask for love is to step out of your comfort zone.

Anything worth having requires hard work. Proverbs 6:6-8 (NLT) reminds us, “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” The Psalmist emphasizes that wisdom and a strong work ethic are essential for navigating life. Part of that journey involves becoming a mature, strong, and wise woman of God—someone ready for a relationship that leads to success. We often think we’re ready, but if we truly were, the blessing would already be in our lives. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t make mistakes. He tells us in Galatians 6:7 (NLT), “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.”

What we should be praying for is to be conditioned and prepared to give love in a way that pleases God and meets His requirement that we emulate the example of Christ in all that we do. As Romans 12:1 (NLT) encourages us, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.” When our prayers focus on becoming the person God has called us to be rather than focusing too much on finding the right person, we open ourselves to a love that reflects God’s heart and purpose.

Many women can be so over the moon about meeting someone that they lack the patience to wait and see if the person they are with fits with the plan and purpose God has ordained for their lives. In some of our weakest moments, we surrender to the world’s way instead of being patient. This leads to costly mistakes that set us back. It’s one of the reasons God requires us to be prepared with spiritual maturity anchored in our hearts and minds. Additionally, God wants us to understand that He desires to bless us abundantly in every area of our lives. Jesus Christ commands us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” When we do this, our commitment to align with the responsibility and standards of Christ will draw the blessing we desire most. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“Asking for Love” written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.