Prayers about love

I recently started college again and ended up having over half of my classes with a guy I knew from my childhood. I felt so right about it, and immediately began praying about it. I asked God to guide both of us to where we are supposed to be, together or not. We hit it off, have been on quite a few dates, and talk every day. I continue to pray about this, and ask God over and over to not let me get hurt. I would rather be alone than get hurt, but I know God has a plan for both of us. Is it wrong for me to think that God has answered my prayers, judging by how well things are going?

Answer: 

Allow a two-part answer. On the one hand you may be sure that God is answering your prayers. On the other hand, you really cannot be sure of this based on "how well things are going."

Your resolve to include this matter in your daily prayers is wonderful and fitting. Continue to do so. God has invited your prayers, assured you that on the basis of Christ's perfect saving work for you that your prayers are welcomed and will be heard, and that God will answer your prayers in ways that are ultimately for your good. These are the sure and certain things to trust. Yes, he is hearing and answering your prayers.

However, it is not wise to assume that, because things between you and this childhood friend seem to be going very well, you have sure evidence that God is answering your prayers in a certain way. This may be correct -- and I will rejoice with you if things continue to go well between you. But God sometimes chooses to take his dearly loved children through unexpected trials and frustrations too, and we want to allow him that option at all times. If he chooses to do this in the foreseeable future, we will acknowledge his love regardless and will still trust that he is answering our prayers with utmost love and wisdom.

So what should you do? Continue in your prayers, rejoice in those blessings God is currently giving you, recommit yourself to growing in your faith-life through the gospel, and leave the rest in God's capable hands. Also trust that if this friend is the life partner for you, he will likely also be commiting himself to growth in his faith-life, seeking God's will in his life, and demonstrating to you that he is a Christian brother above and beyond a boyfriend.


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