What would you say?

[olger]

When I was in Idaho last month, a young couple asked if they could speak with me in private. Sure. I made some time one evening and sat down with them for three hours.

They were young (late twenties). Since I didn't know anything about them I asked them to tell their story. I could tell that the guy was pretty hostile and just barely wanted to be there.

His father was in Vietnam--came home messed up emotionally & mentally. His mother developed mental issues too and ended up in an institution off and on. The son ran away from home at the age 14. He was married at the age 16. He was divorced at the age of 18. Thus far his life was divided into these 2-year intervals.

The girl was raised in a semi-Christian home. When she (the daughter) was 9, her mother comitted suicide. She was not very close to her father either.

These two had been living together for 2-years and had an 8-month old child together. They were experiencing a lot of conflict (common in that situation).

I asked them if they believed in God. She said she did, and had been connected to Him but had wandered away from Him. He said he wasn't sure if there was a God. I asked her if she missed the Lord. Tears came..

They asked me if they should get married?

What would you say to them? (I'll share my answer later).

`og

[pacunurse30]

Well I would say that they both need serious prayer and to make the Lord a part of their lives. If he's not a part of their marriage as well, then it is likely to break up. The devil is attacking marriage and families big time these days. That being said, I would advise them to marry after having godly counseling to be sure they were serious about the commitment. I don't believe having a child with someone or living with them is a good reason to get married. Sure they had no business doing either, but what's done is done. Getting married won't necessarily "make things right" unless they are serious about being committed to one another.

[olger]

I like your answer Pn30. Very good.

When I heard the young man admit that he was agnostic, I looked at my watch. I had 131 minutes left (assuming that we quit at 10 pm). I pushed everything off the table and spent the remaining time talking to them about Jesus. I breathed a prayer to God for the spirit of God to comfort, love, convict and heal.

I asked them to go for a "walk" with me and we went through the dusty streets of Galilee and came to the back of a crowd. We "stood" there for a moment listening. I opened up my Bible and read words like "He that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out." We heard words like "Come unto me all that are weary..." "let he who is thirsty come and drink of the water of life freely.."

Little by little, hope was kindled in this young couple. I saw them began to move towards Jesus. Tears began to come. We prayed together as we closed.

Our time came to an end, but not before they both expressed a desire to find God. I told them I would be available (although a long ways off and busy) and directed them to others in their area who could care about them and come along side. I pray for them daily. You could too.

Thanks,

olger

Ps. As to the marriage question, I said "If you both are willing to resolve your spiritual issues, and find God together, then Yes. I can recommend marriage.

"If not... than I don't advise it because you will destroy each other a little more."

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I give you four paws up. Seriously, oG, I'm impressed...