Too Young to Decide

The world is spinning, and I’m grading papers.

When you have had to make a tough decision that affected someone else?

This is the question my students were assigned to answer in 10 complete sentences. Many responded regarding friendships and schoolwork, but the most reoccurring response was regarding family. The toughest decision my students, ages 14-18, had to make was choosing between staying with their mom or dad after a split or divorce. For many of them, they had to make this decision before they ever entered high school.

Can you imagine?

I can’t, but considering the statistics, I know many of you reading can because you’ve had to.

I can’t imagine only because I didn’t get the privilege (if I can even call it that). My parents were never together during my formative years for that to even be a decision of mine. But to grow up with two people you’ve depended on and then having to choose who you will remain with because they have their own things to figure out is a decision no kid should have to make.

My eyes water as I grade these.

This is why I don’t take lightly God’s call on marriage and purity.

I don’t want a man who simply knows God or goes to church; I want a man who has devoted his life to Christ and His mission. A man that says next to loving God with all my heart, mind and soul is how I love my wife and kids. A man that does not take the covenant he has made unto the Lord lightly.

Marriages are under attack. Families are under attack. We know this is not how it’s supposed to be and it’s our children who are suffering the most.

But from the beginning of creation, God CREATED THEM MALE AND FEMALE. FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.”

Mark 10: 6-9

Lord, I pray for every broken heart out there suffering because what you have put together has been torn apart. Father, I pray for restoration of families and marriages. Lord, I pray for a NEW generation. A generation that says “yes” to you. “Yes” to covenant. “Yes” to family. I pray we wouldn’t be a generation of easy and happy. I pray we would be a generation that understands marriage is so much more than just about use–it’s about Your kingdom, Your purpose, and Your way. May we honor one another in this way. Help us to seek you before we enter into marriage. May your blessing of peace cover us in this decision and if we don’t have it, I pray we don’t move. For all those waiting, Lord, would you keep them. Strengthen them. Speak to their hearts that you are preparing them for such a time as this. No matter what culture says, no matter that two people are Christians, but that they would would for the one who is equally yoked. And this is no small thing for you. You can do it and you will do it because you get the glory. Father, may you get the glory!

Until Heaven or Sooner,

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