BA: DOES GOD "BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER"? by John Thomas
Jesus gives us some guidance in this area, at least in terms of our trusting that God is watching over us with perfect care, a billion times more than the best parent ever could, with love so strong that we cannot even comprehend, and with nothing in mind for us but our eternal good and His glory and pleasure. It's worth quoting the whole thing:
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sew nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is today alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore, do not be anxious saying, 'What shall we eat,' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." (Matthew 6:25-33)
Jesus doesn't include anxiety over whom we will marry, but we get the point: God has it under control — from every atom to every universe — He made it; He knows it; and His love for it is steadfast and greater even than life itself, and having a revelation of that dissolves the anxiety.
If I understand this right, Jesus is saying that if we will focus primarily on walking with Him — concentrating on taking the steps that He is taking — then He will take us where all that He has for us on this earth, is.
In practical terms I see it like this: I follow Christ by growing in intimacy with Him. As I abide in Him, I learn to walk in rhythm with Him. I do not worry about where we are going, but rather trust His leadership, because I am convinced, as I said above, that where He takes me will be for my eternal good and for His glory and pleasure.
He leads me to jobs, ministry opportunities, educational opportunities, relationships, a spouse, or whatever else it is He has planned for me. My primary focus never leaves Him as He brings these things into my life. I understand them for what they are, gifts from His hand, or tools in His hand, or both — all designed for what? All together now, "My eternal good and His glory and pleasure!"
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