GREAT GODLY ADVICE FOR SINGLES

That moment Abigail begins to love and doubts her relationship with Steve.

Confusing? Abigail loves to be pampered and wants attention always. She is a dedicated member in her campus fellowship. In fact, she is loved by all because of her readiness to help anyone in need.

During one of the marriage seminars in their fellowship, the minister dwells on one character in the Bible who gave his all.

"Brethren, let's open our Bible to the book of Acts 6:8,  "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.".

Stephen is an example of a great man who loved the Lord........ " the preacher continues.

However, Abigail keeps thinking about that Bible verse until the end of the marriage seminar. All the brethren pray and depart.

On her way home, one of her course mates tries to harass her. While she is struggling with him, Steve who is following behind comes to her rescue.

"Thank you Bro Steve" she thanks him.

"It's my pleasure. God is ever faithful and watches over his own children" he says as he guides her to safety.

Throughout the night, Abigail begins to meditate on the marriage seminar and how Steve comes to her rescue.

"Stephen!!!!" That name flashes in her mind and she arises out of the bed.

"Wow! Bro Steve!......Could it be the same Bro Steve?" she smiles as she thinks about the connected feeling dots.

She has been praying and assumed he is the one. One thing leads to another, they begin their courtship.

It is like a lottery to visit the beautiful Caribbean islands. She gives her all into the relationship until one evening.

Steve, holding his Bible after the Bible study is talking with Abigail until an argument ensued.

Before Abigail could say anything further, the Bible tagged on the cover with "God of thunder, fight against my enemies" lands on her face.

For few minutes, what she is able to see is the replica of the thunders on Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 19 when God came down on the mount.

"Steve! Steve!! My eyes!!" she cries.

Bro Steve who is equally a prayer warrior leaves her in anger. Abigail goes home crying and sad.

After one week, he comes to her room to beg her. When she refuses to yield, he does something.

"Do you know Nabal?" he asks.

"No. I know Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay-court tennis player" she replies.

"I said, Nabal"

He brings out his big Bible again to read 1 Samuel 25:3 "Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb." He closes the Bible while she looks at the Bible still remembering the torture.

"Abigail was a woman of understanding and beautiful. Just like the biblical Abigail, try to understand me. Moreover, your beauty is beyond description....." He convinces her with more soothing words.

They patch up and continue their courtship until a particular day. Steve calls her on the phone to meet in the church.

He waits and waits until she shows up after more than 30 minutes.

"Abigail, why are you just coming now? Did you ever think about me? I have been waiting for you here and you just dragged your feet here. This is the last warning!" He roars.

Abigail is about to apologise and explain why she comes late when he pushes her aside.

"Whatever I say is final. Don't you get it?" he roars again.

"Enough is enough! Am I a kid to be treated like this? Treating me like a servant for the past four months. What do you mean?" she replies him.

Full of rage, Steve throws his Bible aside and grabs her, "How dare you? I am a man and you don't talk to me like that. You are a fool!". He forcefully pushes her and hit her head on the wooden pole.

"Yeeee...... My head! Steve...Steve..... God will judge you" with these words, she cries out.

Steve is no where to be found. She manages to get to her room in pain.

When one of the Sisters in the church gets wind of her challenges, Pamela encourages her to continue the relationship with Steve quoting 1 Corinthians 13:8 "Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.".

"Sister Abigail, love bears all things and endures all things. Try to understand Bro Steve. The only problem he has is his fierce anger and you can manage and conquer it with love" she concludes.

Abigail who is calm and visibly angry rises up and opens the door for her to leave. Pamela tries to talk but Abigail warns her to shut up. She leaves without saying goodbye.

Abigail sits down to rediscover herself and the mercy of God locates her. She realises her mistakes and decides to start afresh with God.

As usual Bro Steve comes along with his big Bible to apologise. Abigail doesn't say anything but allows him to quote many verses of the Bible.

"Sister Abigail, I love you and I pray nothing will separate us" he prays.

She doesn't respond but rises up to open the door, "Pastor Steve, your anger and pride have separated us. I made a mistake and God has started afresh with me. Sir, you can leave"

Steve is stunned but realises he can't convince her again. He leaves with a warning, "As a Spirit-filled and anointed Man of God, you will regret your action. You rejected me and God will reject you too. You will come back and beg me. Idiot!"

Abigail keeps mute but burst into tears when he leaves.

After two years, a wonderful brother comes along, proposes and they get married to the glory of God.

Wonders, they say, shall never end.........

The way some singles conjure up visions and love stories in order to marry their choices can be misleading and lead to regrets.

What you can't tolerate during courtship especially verbal and physical abuses, marriage won't solve it.

He slaps and hits you at wills and you still continue under the pretext of love bears all things.

Sir/Ma, wisdom is calling you to open your eyes.
Understanding is whispering to you to avoid falling into the trap.

He preaches with fire like Elijah or she speaks passionately like biblical Ruth doesn't mean you should be blind to the glaring truth.

Don't be deceived by their big Bibles, speaking in tongues, gentle look, soft words etc. Let the God who knows the hearts of men speak and guide you.

Don't manage anger or other sins but allow God to deal with it. If you discover some unregenerate actions in him/her, be cautious.

We have our flaws but there are some dangerous claws that must be avoided like a plague. Jesus makes the difference.

Know God and your Bible. Don't allow anyone to twist the Bible to win you over or lead you astray.

"Love bears all things and endures all things" doesn't mean to remain under the heavy yoke of a brutal brother or abusive sister during courtship. Be wise!

God isn't the author of confusion but of orderliness. Commit your ways into His hands and He shall direct your steps.

You will not miss it. You will testify of God's goodness.

Take caution; you have only one life to live.
Live it to the glory of God.

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