Another unique characteristic of the seahorse is that a young seahorse eats 25 times its own body weight each day. Can you imagine a 10-pound child eating 250 pounds of food a day?

Even more amazing is the morning dance ritual of seahorses. Each morning, two seahorse mates greet one another with a choreographed dance. They move in a synchronized pattern, all while their bodies change colors. After the greeting, they separate and go about their daily activities, until the following morning when they meet again with another orchestrated dance.

How did this astounding sea creature receive its distinct characteristics? It seems sensible that the seahorse was purposely designed by a creative God to provide man with an enjoyable expression of artistic beauty that could only be due to the brilliance of an amazing Creator. Astoundingly, God uses the seahorse to exemplify different aspects of marriage relationships.

CLEARING UP MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MARRIAGE
Getting married is not the same as being married. Single, young adults must be careful to avoid excessive thoughts of a future marriage. Focusing on the permanent aspects of marriage rather than on the wedding process brings about realistic expectations of marriage.

Marriage is not a step into paradise; rather, it is a working relationship. Every married couple understands that marriage has its problems. When you prepare for marriage, you should look at your current relationship and compare it to the pattern of Scripture.

Do you walk humbly with each other?
Do you have a servant’s attitude?
Do you speak the truth in love?
Are you laying down your lives for each other?

One crippling mistake a young person can make is to expect marriage to give security, to bring excitement to life, or bring some type of spiritual maturity. Marriage is not a cure-all; Jesus is. If you are not secure in the Lord as a single person, you will be a drain on your spouse in marriage. If you have not learned to find excitement in life as a single person, you will quickly become bored with the routine of marriage. If a person is not setting and progressing toward godly goals in singleness, looking toward marriage for spiritual growth is nothing more than a spiritual cop-out.

MY SON'S SEARCH FOR HIS “SEAHORSE”
My son, Golan, recently graduated from Oral Roberts University with a degree in business management. While attending ORU, Golan met an attractive and intelligent young lady who was gifted in the graces of cordial hospitality. What caught my attention even more was her fascination with creation science. The thought of such a daughter-in-law was very inviting. She came from a Christian family who was successful in the business world. Golan seemed to be quite enthralled with the young lady and was spending a considerable amount of time with her throughout their studies. After a year or so, Golan began to ask us questions as to how to know the will of God concerning a life partner. His grandmothers always stressed the importance of discerning God’s will in selecting a spouse, as they can make or break one’s calling and purpose.

After some prayerful discussions, I offered Golan and the young lady some questions to prayerfully consider, share and discuss with each another. After a few weeks, it became apparent to Golan that they were headed in two different directions, and their futures would not complement one another regarding their callings. As a result, the two broke off their relationship and continued as good friends. It was a very difficult time for Golan, as he thought he had found the woman of his dreams, however he continues to seek God’s will for his next season in life.

THE QUESTIONS
The following are some of the questions I gave Golan and his friend to answer:

1. What character traits do you believe are the most important to see manifested in your relationship? Are these qualities different from what you seek in those who are just friends?
2. What character qualities do you have to offer?
3. Are you a better person and a better Christian because of your relationship?
4. What do your strongest Christian friends think about your relationship?
5. Is your relationship consistent or up and down? Do you try to make it work?
6. Do you argue? How intense does it get? How does the argument end?
7. What area do each of you need to improve in communicating–both in listening and in speaking?
8. Do you have a strong sense that God has brought you together?
9. Are your life goals compatible? Have you talked over your calling and mission? Is there agreement in your goals, regardless of the cost?
10. And, finally, who do you dance with each morning?

MORNING RITUALS
There are a host of options which bid for your attention each morning: the newspaper, the Web, the TV, the coffee pot. What about God? Like the seahorse, you are designed to “dance” each day with the One who loves you. He is the author of your story and has great plans for you, single or married. Spending time with God each day ensures that you follow the plans He has for you.

“‘…For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the LORD, “‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer. 29:11 NIV).

God’s plans for a single person are just as important and just as carefully and lovingly arranged as His plans for a married person. God never makes mistakes in His plans for anyone. Your response should be that you want to be ready at any moment, fully prepared, so that if and when He calls you to the bridal chamber, your lamp will be full of oil.

God’s call will be based on what status will best aid and supplement His kingdom. Will the Kingdom of God be at more of an advantage if a person marries or remains single? This is the real question. Seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is the key here.

Remember: one’s current state of singleness is part of God’s sovereign plan.

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him …
(Psa. 37:4-7 NIV)