Jackie was excited that the Christian service said they would scientifically match her with someone based on her personality, and she was assured by the background checks they performed on participants. She had felt it was the perfect solution to finding a husband quickly.

Now, several months later, her enthusiasm was waning. The first man, though his “credentials” had been a match, had just gotten a divorce and talked the whole time about his ex-wife. She had doubts about whether the second man she had met was a believer. The third lived four states away. It seemed the scientific process wasn’t so perfect after all.

The dating service was a great way to meet men, but she realized in her eagerness to find someone, she hadn’t even sought God’s guidance. Repenting, she asked Him to take control, to give her wisdom, and to reveal His perfect will for her, whether it was best for her to marry again or to remain single.

Some unmarried women have a deep desire to be married. Others are content to remain single. If you are single and would like to be married, talk to God about it and be sensitive to His leading. Online or off, it’s important to get to know someone you are considering as a marriage partner. There is no substitute for fully surrendering your desire to God and listening to His gentle guidance in the process.