Do You Really Know How to Date?

Genesis 24:6-7b,12,19,63: "Make sure that you do not take my son back there . . . (God) will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there . . . . Then the servant prayed, 'O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today.' . . . . After she had given him drink, she said, 'I'll draw water for your camels too' . . . . He (Isaac) went out to the field one evening to meditate."

Do you really know how to date? So many times I encounter single adults who don't do the proper prep work BEFORE the dating process. Instead they jump into the first relationship that comes along without preparing their hearts to be attune to God's leading in their relational lives. This strategy of dating leads to marital disaster and emotional heartache. So, to avoid these pitfalls, let's look at how Abraham, his servant, and his son (Isaac) approached the pursuit of a marriage partner for Isaac.

1. First, we see an unwillingness to compromise convictions in the selection process. Abraham wanted someone who was from his home land, who would be a blesing to his son. He did not want for his son one of the local pagan women who would draw his son away from his relationship with God.

2. Secondly, we see that Abraham trusted in the Lord. Abraham knew that the Angel of the Lord would go before his servant to find the right person. This was not an overnight process, but Abraham knew that in God's timing, He would find the right person for his son.

3. Thirdly, we see a servant praying. As he was sent away to find a spouse for Isaac, he did not become overwhelmed with his responsibility, nor did he try to find this person through his efforts alone. Knowing that God was his best resource, the servant sought the help of the Lord.

4. Fourthly, we see the obedience of the servant. He had to travel approximately 900 miles back to Abraham's home land. There were opportunities for him to give up and go home, but he remained steadfast.

5. Fifthly, we see a servant of discernment. The servant was able to observe that the one to be chosen (Rebekah) was a person of goodness, going beyond what was expected of her to be a blessing to others.

6. Lastly, we find Isaac preparing his heart for the arrival of his bride. While the servant was away for months, we find Isaac going into the fields to meditate and pray. I'm sure that he was aware of the reason for the servant being away. He likely was praying for the success in finding THE woman to which God wanted him to be married.

Okay, so take an inventory of your dating pursuits, and answer these questions:

Am I unwilling to compromise my convictions as to whom I should date?
Am I trusting the Lord in the area of my dating life?
Am I praying . . . seeking God's guidance?
Am I being obedient, even though the journey may be long?
Am I using Godly discernment in the people that I date?
Am I even now preparing my heart to demonstrate faith and Godliness when I DO date?

If you practice these Biblical principles, you will be blessed in your relational pursuits. God's blessings to you as you glorify God in your dating life.