A Successful Marriage

training, on the importance of planning and preparation. They understand well that a solid foundation, and a firm structure are the results of adhering to the dictates of those standards. The standards which suggest that certain elements are inevitable to the success of a building project. For example, a good site/land, quality material, well experience workers and a projected budget that will completely finance the building.

Jesus Christ endorses the planning and preparation approach by suggesting the following.
Luke 14:28
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Friends, if we fail to plan, then we plan to fail. We seem to put more planning and preparation in the baking of a cake than we do in getting married. It seem as if we do not understand that their are bitter consequences to marriage blunders. The fact is, marriage has eternal consequences. It is an institution that will cause heaven or hell to be our inheritance. As with the builder, in respect to the Bible, others looking on will mock and say, "This couple began to build and was not able to finish" if the marriage goes sour. We all know well that there are no guarantees in life. However, if we implement God's standard, we will build on a sure foundation. You might have asked yourself the question, "what are those standards. What do one need to know. How does someone plan for marriage. What kind of preparation is necessary for a successful marriage.?" Those are good questions and the answers are found in God's word. Let us look at some of the crucial ingredients that promotes a functional marriage.

God performs the first marriage
God the father officiated over the first marriage. He pronounced the first couple that every lived, man and wife. Let us look at how it all happened.

Genesis 2:18-25
To get the full understanding we will go through the above text verse by verse.
18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
God had his plan from the beginning to make man (Genesis 1:27). He went a little further and explained what man meant. He said man = male + female. In Genesis chapter one, the Bible said that God created man (male + female) on the sixth day, but it did not say in what order or what section of the day each was created. He created woman last so that the man would genuinely appreciate the woman. Let us see how He did that.
19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
The Lord included Adam in His creation project. He afforded him the exalted privilege of helping to complete creation by naming the animals. Adam helped to get the garden home ready. There was a reason for that. Remember, Eve was not created yet. We are still in the sixth day. The important lesson for us to learn, is that, Adam as a man, was to prepare for the woman. It is a man's responsibility as providers, to get the home ready. In addition, God knew that Adam would need a help meet, but he wanted Adam to desire one. He wanted him to appreciate, love, honor and cherish her when she is given. He wanted him to realize the value of woman.  So, He allowed him to experience a few things.
20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
As a result of naming the animals and realizing that every animal had a like kind, it aroused a desire in Adam for a companion. He wanted someone like him. Someone that he could share his life with. But he was not going to get one without a price. It was going to cost Adam something. But why????? We will see shortly....
21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
God performed the first operation and took a rib from Adam. The cost. Why did God had to take something from Adam? He who formed the world from nothing!!! And why a rib? Read on...
22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Adam was fully aware of what happened. He knew that God took his rib and made Eve. God wanted it that way, Why? Well, when God brought Eve to Adam, he exclaimed, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called woman for she was taken from man." Adam had to make a sacrifice. Adam wanted a woman, but it was going to cost him something. Presently, the men of today seem to always want something for nothing. That is why they cannot truly appreciate the woman when she comes. In addition, the Lord want men to understand that when a man leaves his mother and father and cleaves unto his wife, they are no longer twain, but truly one flesh. That situation was establish in Adam as a perpetual covenant relationship between marriage couples. Brothers, that woman is truly your flesh and borne. Will a man hurt his own flesh? She is not an extension, she is, your flesh, and blood. It is extremely important for both party to understand that fact. Moreover, God wanted Adam/man to appreciate, respect, protect, honor and cherish woman. He wanted that fact to crystallize in the mind of every man that the woman did not appear from thin air. Consider where the borne was taken from. It was not taken from under Adams feet, suggesting, that a man should not walk on/over woman. It was taken from his side, close to his heart, for that is where man should keep woman at all times.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
So, woman was the crowning act of creation. She was created last. Also, on the sixth day, just before running over in to the seventh, God present the first couple as man and wife. Thus performing the first marriage.

Let us recap. We learned that man is suppose to prepare the home first and understand the value and blessings of a woman. However, we have just scratched the surface. Therefore, let us examine the spiritual, physical and emotional preparation of both gender for marriage. Before we do that, let us consider all the common issues with marriage. For example, the myths, and the common problems of marriage.

The myths and common problems of marriage
The problems begins with man and it can only end with man. The burden of responsibility and accountability rest with man. Woman are simply rebelling to the injustice they have been receiving at the hand of man. What is the cause of the injustice? Ignorance!!! Man have been playing the fool too long and it is high time for them to step up to the plate and assume their rightful place in society. What place is that? We will find out soon.

We will examine some of the myths and common problems of marriage. Let us look at the myth of role less marriage.

myth of role less marriage
Under the leadership of the devil, this perverted world which we live in, is campaigning to reconstruct the genders. They want to eliminate the idea of gender roles. Is that a good idea? Let us find out.

In the beginning God made man. However, God went a little further in explaining that He made them male and female. Friends, maleness means something and femaleness means something. The genders were not placed here to imitate each other. On the other hand, our functions were designed to complement each other. Some things are naturally done better by a woman and vise versa. A woman is a natural nurturer. A man will never function well in that capacity, for that is not his role as a man. Then why is that some woman want their husbands to take care of the kids while they go off to work. Proverbs 6:6 says, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:" In other words, consult nature. When we go against order, chaos is the result. The norm, because of situation, might be that the woman have to go out and work and the man stay at home. Problems are destined to surface in that model. We need to look away from the dysfunctional examples of this misguided society and establish a new normality. A model that is founded upon the word of God.

"Roles are like the keel of a ship that lies hidden under cold, dark water, out of sight, out of mind. Yet try sailing without one! Would you like to be apart of a system where everyone had to run the company, oversees the school, and management the government." (Rocking the roles) Think about that!!! Only when we function in our natural roles will we experience a smooth running marriage relationship. A marriage couple should have defined roles. As they are different physically and emotionally, those distinctions should dictate there roles. Genesis 3:23 "Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken." God did not command Eve to till the ground, He told Adam. Man, by nature is a provider. There should be something in his heart like a king to provider, a warrior to protect, a mentor to teach and like a friend to connect. God, from the beginning, told man to get out the house and work.

On the other hand, the woman is the nurturer, the keeper of the home.
Titus 2:3-5
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Women are the keepers/managers of the home. In today's society, we have it backwards. The career women seem to get all the respect. Where respect is due, it should be given. However, if our kids were not neglected as they are, then just "maybe" we would have less, rapist, murderers, drug dealers, and just less menaces in our society. Today's kids are products of television (corrupted Hollywood), violent video games, and objectionable music. The home front is left unprotected, because mommy and daddy are busy working. Being a mother and a wife is an exalted privilege, and high calling. Mothers are the ones that basically train the leaders in our society. What kind of respect and honor would you attach to such a contribution or to that "career."

Most people think that house wives are boring and just have nothing to do. They are not industrious and basically not as intelligent and reputable as career woman. Well, the Lord has news for all such people. Let us examine what a house wife looks like in the every day responsibilities of life.
Proverbs 31:10-31
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

A house wife adds to the income of the home if needs be, by making and selling fine linen (she has a trade, she is educated), she is full of wisdom, she is not idle, strength and honor are her clothing, she helps the poor, she buy and sell property, she goes food shopping for the family, she cooks (she takes care of the food needs), her children calls her blessed, her husband as well, and he praise her as well. Now, how do you view house wives? I believe house wife holds a higher office than that of the president. She is the one that trains future presidents. The occupation of a house wife is an exalted position. House wives, your friends that are doctors, lawyers, investors and so on, has nothing over you. Don't act as if you are better, but at the same time, you have no reason to feel inferior.

There should be cross training as well, so that the family will be independent of every situation. Roles might be reversed for isolated incidents, therefore, both should be able to pick up where the other left off, if possible. Situations, like, sickness, injuries, death, absence, etc...

Common problems!!! The traditional family was famous for absentee fathers, devalued woman and mutual tolerance (just living together for the sake of the kids). Men were kings and the family members their subjects. No wonder woman are rebelling against the traditional family of the 60's and 70's. Roles and submission was the order of the day. But roles and submission was not the problem. The problem was found in the ignorance of man.
The Bible says in Romans 1:28, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;" Man was not looking to God to get an ennobling knowledge that would encourage him to cherish and appreciate his wife. Without God's guidance, man became a lording ruler, a dictator. "Presently, the world sees roles as confining. Roles put people into a box. Roles limits choices. Roles keep woman “in their place.”" (Rocking the roles) Any talk of roles brings ugly images of oppression that women want to break away from. Roles are now considered as a chauvinistic way of looking at relationships. Therefore, liberation is on the lips of every woman, young and old. But the question is, liberated from what? Is it liberation from a system that oppressed women for years, liberation from the unfair pay scale, from corporate structures that hinders upward mobility for women or is it liberation from Gods word? Friends, ignorance is our greatest enemy. The solution is the cultivation of the intellect, the renewing of our minds. Going against God's words, doing what pleases us, is not the answer.

Some of us have strayed from the principles of God words. The liberated women, or those who do not understand, are claiming the right to keeping their last name. Comments like, "Why do I have to change my name. Or, why can't he be called by my last name," seems to be echoing throughout this modern society. Do we understand what we are asking for? Well, let us look at what is going on. The devil wants to separate us from God. He wants to distort every example and every object lesson whereby we can understand how three can be one, and how every man becomes one in Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:3
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Woman was created from man. Adam's identification was "man." He shared the name that he was called by, thus pronouncing Eve "Wo-man." He could have called her anything else, but it suggest a oneness. God want us to understand the importance of oneness, for it has eternal implications. Therefore, the marriage relationship was used as an example. If two can become one, then it is not too hard envision three in one. The Chin's family, though five members, are one under the umbrella of the name Chin.

Women are called by the name of their husbands, their head, as men and all mankind will be called by the name of their head, Christ. In the parable of the 10 virgins, Christ the bridegroom cometh to marry His bride, the church. Revelation 12:17 tells us that a new name will be given. Are we going to reject His name? Will we try to hyphenate His name with ours? Remember friends, self and Christ cannot co-exist. Self has to die and Christ must rule supreme in our lives. Submission if the key. If Christ did not submit to his head, God the father, then were would we be today? In the garden when his sweat became as drops of blood He said, "Not as I will, but let thy will be done." If we do not abide now, we will never abide then. If we do not submit to the will of God now, we will not submit then.

Isaiah 4:1
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
Like the voice of thunder echoing through out this world, the painful words will be heard, "Too late,..... too late,..... too late......." When the scenes of the close of earth's history flashes before the eyes of men, confirming the authenticity of God's by the second return of Jesus Christ as Lord of Lord's and King of King's, men at that point will desire His name to take away their reproach. But it will be too late. Changing the way how God has lead in the past is not the solution of the current social mess of today. The renewing of our minds is the key.

Many in the name of Christianity have drifted so far away from God that, for them, marriage is not possible without a pre-nuptial agreement and a separate bank accounts. Where is the oneness in that arrangement. Plans are made for the end, before they begin. Friends, love cannot be made perfect in fear.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Why would anyone marry someone that they cannot trust? If there are doubts, why get married? It is just like having an abortion, it stays with you for ever. Many will reason and say, "after it is all over with, you will forget it." Don't believe that friends. We are humans. It lingers, and you will tormented for the rest of your life. How can two experience genuine, perfect love; how can two be one, when both are withholding. Our advice is to consider the action of Joseph and Lot, and run never looking back. We would not marry a couple that advocates a pre-nuptial agreement or separate bank accounts. Their value system is perverted. They obviously place more value on things than they do on themselves. They will give themselves to each other. They will share a bed and have sexual relations, but they will not share their possessions. Those individual is materialistic. Such request are the results of a reprobate mind, or a seriously confused individual. Many explanations are given why such agreements are necessary, but it all boils down to disobedience to God's words, unbelief and lack of faith. Wait on the Lord, friends, and he will bring that God fearing individual in your path.

These admonitions are for the family of believers, Christians. The problems of marriage are not restricted to a particular denomination, but to all Christendom. We need come out of denial, those that are in denial, and address the problems of the Christian churches and the world. How? By speaking out against the issues in no uncertain tones. The problems have been perpetuating generation after generation because of the silence of the church. The church is at fault, for where Christ is presented, lives are changed. The hour is late, but never too late for a decided change for truth. Accept Biblical councils friends, for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).

Men, a few suggestions are listed below that should serve to diffuse the current social mess. Women, councils are given for you as well.

Problem Solution Suggestions
Core responsibilities of the husband
Let us start with the problem, men.   1 Corinthians 3:11 says, "The head of the woman is the man." Look at Ephesians 5:23 as well. Men understands headship well. They want to be the head, but what does that mean? What kind of head should he be? Consider what Jesus has to say in Luke 22:26, "but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." Men, from the beginning, the Lord wanted us to be servant leaders. The Bible uses words like responsibility, not privilege; service, not to be served; support, and not superiority. (Rocking the roles)

What does head mean? Ephesians 5:23-30 defines "head" as life giving, protector, provider, lover, responsible for and developer. Whenever the word “head” is used, it applies leadership. The question is, what kind of leader? Godly leaders are men who understand the word of God. They understand it is not about rank where his wife is concerned, but responsibility. They understand it is about sacrificing all for the family, and not selfishness. A servant leader understands that it is about duty and not dominion. They understand that headship is a calling to empower another human being. Empowering the wife, empowering the family. There is a growing cynicism among women about men altogether, and much less trust because most of the men of this world are not exhibiting those qualities. Simple because they are not servant leaders and they do not understand their core responsibilities.

Let’s get more specific, more practical. Let us look at what a servant leader look like in the everyday, ordinary situations of married life. Consider the following:

What does a servant leader looks like?

Decision Making. He always collaborate with his wife – he seek the wisdom of his wife.
Understand his wife’s needs. 1 peter 3:7 He does his research and read about her. He is in tune with her feminine needs – servant does not mind if she cries – he understands that she likes different things.
Conflict:-- He does not get defensive – does not have a win/lose perspective on life. Will say sorry when he is wrong.
Strengths and weaknesses: He does not point out flaws and failures nor criticize. He builds up rather than tear down.
Power: He does not manipulates – does not intimidates physically. He faces his own weakness. He confides and ask for her help.
Household chores: The lording leader does not do dishes, cook, cleans, or take out the trash – The king does nothing other than take home the money. The servant leader is totally the opposite.
Accepts spiritual responsibility: Calls family together for worship. He uses the home as a training ground. He teaches the family about Jesus Christ. (Rocking the Roles)

Men, what does every woman need to succeed?

Companionship: Much of her identity in marriage and sense of worth come from how well she relates to her husband. (they might not admit this but it is true). The attention given in courtship is equally needed in marriage as well.
Security: Protector and provider. It is natural for a woman to look to a man for security – not the other way around. If a man cannot provide for a family, he should remove marriage from his mind. Every man need to know how he is going to take care of his family before getting married.
Significance: The woman is a nurturer, a friend, a soul-worker. The only one that can appreciate her unique contribution is the husband. If he don’t praise and exalt her, who will? Who else knows and values what a wife does during the day, but the husband. Men, we must show recognition & appreciation.
Emotional Responsiveness: A womans world is one of deep feelings. The natural response of a man is to fix their problems. Most of the time they only want their significant other to just listen. When a man does not object to or argue with a woman’s feeling, but instead accepts and confirms their validity and listens with empathy as she explores those feelings, a woman will feel truly loved. (Rocking the Roles)

Men, if you are seriously considering marriage, if you would like to have a functional one, then it would be wise to employ the above principles in your life before marriage. Since it take two to tango, let us look at a few suggested preparatory steps that a woman should take before entering holy matrimony.

What every woman should know
Liberation seem to be a major factor that hinders the formation of a happy home. Seeking to achieve equal rights and status is necessary in our society. Actually, equal rights and status should just exist automatically for every man. However, during the process of seeking liberation, the cultivation of home skills seems to be neglected. Every woman should go to college and secure a profession that is marketable. The sky is the limit where scholastic eminence is concerned. However, the problem is that, many of these professional woman are shamefully ignorant to the practical duties of home life which are essential towards the establishment of a happy family. Every woman should have a good knowledge of the following:

1. Every woman should know how to prepare palatable foods. Healing foods, in other words. Foods that will, repair, prevent diseases and promote health.

2. Every prospective wife and mother should have a knowledge of the best method to treat diseases. She should have a good knowledge of what promotes health, the workings of the body and proper hygiene. This would prevent her from taking her kids to the doctor for every simple complaint.

3. She should be skilled in the art or keeping the home, farming and sewing. The family should be independent of every situation. We have a more sure prophecy, because it comes from the word of God. We know that the time will come, when those who are standing on God's side will not be able to buy or sell. Most of us choose not to think about these things, and as a result, we are not preparing for the future. Why? I guess we really do not believe it.

What does every man need to succeed?
I woman want to hear her husband say, "honey, I love you." But what a man desires most is respect and admiration. A man wants a woman that will support him and believe in him. Supporting his work is a major core need as well. A woman just need to show interest to encourage and energize him. Public support is a necessity as well. Embarrassing a man in public is a sure way to cause a relationship to go sour. As it is important for a man to meet the needs of a woman, it is equally important for a woman to meet the needs of a man.

If both parties would take the following suggestions seriously. If both parties prepare themselves according to the suggestion and function within the establish gender role, then marriage can be a little heaven on earth.

God's Blessings
Friend, if you ask all those who locked into a dysfunctional marriage and all the divorcees if God told them to marry that man or that woman, you will get the same response, NO. They would generally hold their heads down, and with the breath of regret they will say no. People have a hard time living with themselves, much less living with someone else. It takes a mountain top experience, for two to become one harmoniously. If God is not in the vessel the ship will not sail, it will not leave port. Therefore, the most important factor to consider is, God's blessings. Whatever God joins together, no man puts asunder. He is the glue that keeps two people together. But because of disobedience and self trust, we tend to take matters in our own hands, forsaking the principles and protocol of God, thus accepting the blessings of man. Let us look at the principles outline in the example of Isaac and Rebekah so that we can get acquainted with God's way.

Genesis 24
Wisdom and Experience of Parents: Abraham realized that it was time to find a wife for Isaac. Notice friends, marriage was a family event in every stage, in those days. A young woman or a young man, would not run off and get married without their parents guidance and consent. Such a one would be considered foolish and rebellious. In those days, the wisdom and experience of parents was capitalized upon. If the young people of this age would just consult their parents, get them involved, their would be less heartaches and problems in marriage. However, if the parent is steering you away from the principles of God, then it is better to please God than man.

Unequally Yoked: God advised the Israelites not to marry a woman of another tribe, else they will reap the bitter consequences of being unequally yoked. Abraham faithfully carried out that command by instructing his servant to go unto his kindred, and find a wife in the land of his fathers (verse 34). Abraham understood that two will never walk together harmoniously unless they agree. Many of us are convicted on that point, but because of our weak will, lack of faith and specific situations in life, we often choose to walk in darkness rather than light. I believe that many of us love the Lord and is endeavoring to make the right the decisions, but those thin threads around our hearts, those desires that so many of us cherish, which binds us to the world, are clouding our judgment. 1 Kings 3:3 says, "Solomon loved the Lord." Yet in 1 Kings 11:1 the Bible also says, "But Solomon loved many strange women." Those who come in the church, but did not totally separate themselves from the world, will find and attach themselves to the world in the church. Yes, friends, the world has creped into the church and we do not have to look too hard to find it in the church. Remember, two cannot walk unless they agree. Love not the world nor the things that are in the world. Do not allow the lust of the flesh and the love of money to corrupt you. He might be handsome, she might be pretty, but if you know that the qualities that the Lord has exposed you to are not met in that individual, wait. Don't be like Samson. The Lord was getting ready to use him in a mighty way, but because he was flirting with the woman of the world, or those in the church that are willing to give up their worldly pleasures, the devil was able to disgraced and abused him. Again, the councils of parents is a blessing. Let us look at what they told him in Judges 14:3 "Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." Friends, be aware of woman/man and money. Beware of those that are not circumcised in heart. How do you know if they are, their actions will show.

Just like Abraham, Samson's parents was telling him to find someone that share the same beliefs, but he loved the flesh and the things of this world, more than the councils of God. Many of us today are saying, "She/He pleaseth me well." The physical seem to be all that matters. But God is saying to us today, look at the bitter consequences of Samson's actions. He lost his strength, eyesight (physical and spiritual) and eventually his life. Life eternal is dependent upon the chooses that we make. We may not get a second change like Samson. We might not see the need to repent of our sins like Samson did, but as always, prevention is better than cure. Wait on the Lord, friends. Don't you ever settle. In God's time He will bless you if you are faithful.

Prayer: The servant prayed and solicited the help of God. In verse 15, the Bible said, "And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder." If we do not pray that the Lord send us the right man or woman, we will definitely run into problems. But if we pray, if we ask, if we seek, if we knock, the Lord will answer. Most of us pray for a job, a car, a house, money for tuition and so on, then why not pray for that which can determine our eternal inheritance when we get it, which is a wife or husband. If you use to pray twice a day, allow yourself to remain in a state of prayer always. It is that important.

Faith: To live by faith and not by sight, is considered the fools doctrine. Some will agree and embrace that scripture, but when "push come to shove" it is denied as Peter denied Christ. It is too hard to live by faith, is the confession of many. Indeed, it is hard. Will I find faith when I return, is the question Christ is asking every man? Rebekah exercised an enormous amount of faith by leaving with Abraham's servant whom she had never met before. She had never met Isaac before, she did not know what he looked like, nor did she know anything of his personality. It was not a simple thing to do regardless of the times, for her mother and brother did not want her to leave right away. Considering the times we are living in today, it would not be wise to do that. However, the Lord does work in mysterious ways. Needless to say, Rebekah went with the servant (verse 55 - 58). It took faith on Isaac's part as well, for he accepted her and took her to be his wife.

Financial Security: Isaac was financially secure and was able to take care of his wife. Marriage should be stricken from the mind of every man that is not able to take care of his wife financially.

Friend, as you read Genesis 24, there are many more principles contained therein for the establishment of a happy home. Wait, I say, on the Lord.