Choosing someone...

Recently, I attended a talk by 1 of our church pastors who shared on 10 principles of choosing/finding a life partner.

1 interesting point he pointed out during the "principle of willingness" (Genesis 24:8, 57) is that a lot of us may have this notion that there is only 1 person in the world that is chosen for us, hence, sometimes, we hesitate, asking if the person you've met is that one and eventually, the opportunity passes us by if we wait too long or decide not to pursue this interest. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not, for this thing on whether there is predestiny is beyond us. We will never know what's ahead coz we can never comprehend God's ways.
But one thing's for sure. It is by God's grace that we meet who we meet and there has to be willingness from both parties. God doesn't tie us down and He allows us to make choices, just like when Abraham says he will release the servant from the oath of finding Isaac's mate if the girl is not willing. Other examples of God letting us be free to choose are Numbers 36:6 and 1 Corinthians 7:39. He allows us to marry anyone we wish as long as we are marrying within the principles of God (e.g. to be equally yoked).

And when both parties are willing, He makes things happen. Just like the "moment" between Isaac & Rebekah in Genesis 24:63-64. Nothing is too difficult for our God. Most importantly, we must "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

To round up, here are the 10 principles:
1) Principle of Seeking Counsel (Gen. 24:12-14)
2) Principle of Equally Yoked (Gen. 24:4)
3) Principle of Beauty & Purity (Gen. 24:16)
4) Principle of Shared Inheritance (Gen. 24:7)
5) Principle of Willingness (Gen. 24:8,57)
6) Principle of Prayer (Gen. 24:12)
7) Principle of Kindness (Gen. 24:19-20)
8) Principle of Family Blessing (Gen. 24:59-60)
9) Principle of Timing (waiting for the divine timing of God; trust)
10) Principle of The Well