Many people are looking for that one true love. A good mate can contribute to a healthy, happy and prosperous life. I am amazed at how far some people will go just to experience love. Opening your heart to love and to be loved by someone special is a very important decision. Who we love is so significant, great care and wisdom should be taken before we proceed.
Consult with the One who is love.
I could have avoided serious heartaches if I only consulted with God before entering into a relationship. I did not understand that He wanted to be the lead in every area of my life, especially my love life. The internet, friends, clubs and social events were once the trusted source for finding companionship. I never thought that God could or would find a mate for me.
God is concerned with who you love and who loves you.
After looking for love in all the wrong places, I finally realized I had to open my heart and trust God. I shared with Him what I was looking for in the man I would like to marry. No topic was spared…personality, character, height, sexual intimacy, family values, financial acumen, health, hobbies, spirituality, food preferences, physical strength, vocal tone, love language, etc. God listened to all my desires and qualifications. I even wrote them down and confessed them. I was excited and ready to meet this awesome man I had envisioned. However, the Holy Spirit revealed another step in my quest for love that I had never before considered.
Pray for your mate before you meet them.
Initially, I was unsure how to pray for someone who I did not know even existed. My faith had to believe that this person was real and in need of prayer. I knew of all of his good attributes since I requested them, but I did not consider the areas where he may have weaknesses. Praying for him took the focus away from my desires and taught me a deeper level of compassion. We all are in need of prayer for something and true love covers all. I began to pray for my future husband, trusted God and waited patiently for Him to bring us together. I know that even the best marriages should be covered in continuous prayer. I am glad God prepared me ahead of time. Prayer is powerful!
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer;
distributing to the necessity of saints;
given to hospitality. – Romans 12:12-13
If you are looking for love, I encourage you to consult with God first and begin praying for your future mate. To read more on the power of prayer, go to Week 28: Pray and Give Thanks in the Power Over All book.
Do you feel that you must hide the fact you are a Christian? Are your moral beliefs unpopular with the social crowd in which you engage? Maybe you fear judgement or feel ashamed since your righteous lifestyle is still evolving. Don’t let the opinions of the world disgrace your faith or dilute your passion for the Holy One. Be encouraged and keep growing with God! Remember, you are a Christian because of what you believe, not based solely on what you do. 
How do you feel when you imagine your life in the future? Does a flood of emotions emerge when you intentionally refresh your heart, soul and mind to new thoughts? Invigorating yourself when everything around you remains the same requires supernatural guidance. Thankfully, you can look ahead to a new year of victory in any area with faith and the light of God’s promises.
Have you ever felt terrorized…mentally or physically? Terror is defined as extreme fear or the violence committed to cause extreme fear. At first glance, terror and those who distribute it appear powerful or unstoppable. However, it is only an evil tactic to distract and rattle your faith. In these times, a strong and wise spirit is critical to dominate over the terrors of this world.
AKILAH GRANT 