Some might consider me to be slightly insane, and I’m okay with that.
I understand; after all, getting married at the age of 19 is extremely countercultural. In times of economic uncertainty, getting hitched in college isn’t necessarily the most-advised course of action. With divorce rates as high as they are, some would say that I should establish a life first, grow into a mature man, then decide whether or not to add a bride into the mix. Others think finishing an education is too stressful of a task to undertake for a married couple. Many would say that I should wait a few years to wed.
I see the point, and some of these apprehensions are valid – but let me explain why nothing could talk me out of getting married this June.
1. I Have Been Blessed
The Lord has given me a tremendous gift – an amazing woman of faith. After dating Kelly for almost 4 years, I know for certain that I would rather spend life with absolutely no one else! She makes me a better person, pushes me to improve, causes me to step outside of the comfort zones, changes my perspective, tears down the walls of my fear, provides support in my weakness, and loves me no matter what.
Furthermore, upon seeking the Lord’s will, impossible circumstances led us into engagement! We prayed with a desire to marry, and the Lord opened doors in amazing ways; without the blessing and provision of God, we would not be able to remotely consider the possibility of marriage. In faith, we asked him to provide a way, and He did. I’d be a fool not to walk through the door that God holds open!
2. Uncertainty is Certain
You can be sure of one thing: you can’t be sure of anything! Financial uncertainty is always certain – and you never know what tomorrow holds. So why marry young in a time of impending economic collapse? Frankly, I will move forward into marriage because my hope does not lie in the state of America’s bank account. It is true that times are tough here in the States, but God's economy is never in debt – and His is the Kingdom in which I have primary citizenship! Philippians 4:19 reads, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This is the God that I trust in! He will provide everything we need to carry out His will, which is to faithfully walk forward into a marriage covenant. Am I saying that things will be easy? Not at all. However, I do know that my faithful God will come through!
You can be sure of one thing: you can’t be sure of anything! Financial uncertainty is always certain – and you never know what tomorrow holds. So why marry young in a time of impending economic collapse? Frankly, I will move forward into marriage because my hope does not lie in the state of America’s bank account. It is true that times are tough here in the States, but God's economy is never in debt – and His is the Kingdom in which I have primary citizenship! Philippians 4:19 reads, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This is the God that I trust in! He will provide everything we need to carry out His will, which is to faithfully walk forward into a marriage covenant. Am I saying that things will be easy? Not at all. However, I do know that my faithful God will come through!
3. I’d Rather Grow Together
For some reason, everyone feels the need to figure out the entirety of life’s course before getting married. This is why the average age of marriage in the United States is 28.7 for men, and 26.5 for women! Sure, there is something to be said for forming stability – but should personal establishment and economic security trump the desire to grow together with a beloved friend of the opposite gender? I’m truly excited to grow with Kelly, as we figure out life together! I can honestly say that we don’t have everything “figured out” (in the aforementioned sense) – and I find that beautiful, for God can begin to mold us in union before we learn how to live independent of one another. Rather than figuring out life only to re-figure out how to do life together, we have the awesome opportunity figure it all out as a team! Instead of "leaving father and mother" to become independent prior to union with a bride, I have the chance to jump right to the third step (Hallelujah!). We won’t have to overcome certain barriers of selfishness and independence that would be developed in persons approaching 30 years of age. What society has declared disadvantageous, I find extremely advantageous; these aspects of young marriage are a blessing, not a curse!
For some reason, everyone feels the need to figure out the entirety of life’s course before getting married. This is why the average age of marriage in the United States is 28.7 for men, and 26.5 for women! Sure, there is something to be said for forming stability – but should personal establishment and economic security trump the desire to grow together with a beloved friend of the opposite gender? I’m truly excited to grow with Kelly, as we figure out life together! I can honestly say that we don’t have everything “figured out” (in the aforementioned sense) – and I find that beautiful, for God can begin to mold us in union before we learn how to live independent of one another. Rather than figuring out life only to re-figure out how to do life together, we have the awesome opportunity figure it all out as a team! Instead of "leaving father and mother" to become independent prior to union with a bride, I have the chance to jump right to the third step (Hallelujah!). We won’t have to overcome certain barriers of selfishness and independence that would be developed in persons approaching 30 years of age. What society has declared disadvantageous, I find extremely advantageous; these aspects of young marriage are a blessing, not a curse!
4. I Love Her
So very much! I can’t imagine delaying any longer to publicly commit my life to Kelly, and establish a marriage covenant with her; I desperately desire to be her husband! After four years together, I can honestly say that I love her more than ever! I know now (and have known for some time), without a shadow of a doubt, that she is the one I cannot live without – so why postpone marriage? Just the thought of stalling makes me chuckle. It is preposterous!
I can tell you love one another, and you both love Jesus. No worries here. ;)
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