My wife and I got married at the same ages that you were (I was 21, she was 19). We just celebrated 6 years. I’m encouraged by your words, and thankful to be in the season we’re in. Hoping I can be like you in another 10 years!
Twinsies! That's great, Zane. Keep clinging to Christ and I'm willing to bet that you guys will only grow in gratitude for your decision to marry "early."
Great post! We got married at 20 & 23 and celebrated 50 years two weeks ago. We had met at a church camp in 1966, drifted apart and began dating in 1971. When I look at how that first date came about, there is no way on earth that it could have happened without His intervention. It has been a wonderful 50 years. Hopefully He has written in 60 years and perhaps even 70. Time will tell.
I found your Substack through Tim Challies email newsletter. I'm one of those who got married late at 29, not because I wanted to, but God brought the right woman into my life after I stopped trying to find someone to marry and just be happy with being single. Been married close to 18 years now. 3 kids. 2 from her previous marriage. Our daughter just got married at 21 and we had people saying they should have maybe waited. I agree with your assessment though and I fully supported them getting married young. However, I have heard pastors use Proverbs 24:27 and interpret it to mean get your financial grounding (education, good job, etc.) before building your home (get married).
Thanks for reading, Daniel. Praise God for his kindness in 18 years of marriage. That's a gift.
I think Proverbs 24:27 speaks into this. As was the case for me, once I wanted to pursue marriage, I realized, "Oh, man. I need a better job." I couldn't get married and not provide financially. That would put me out of step God's Word. 1 Timothy 5:8 comes to mind - "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
But what's sufficient to get started? When we got married, my wife was working full-time at a convenience store and I was working 35ish hours a week at Wal-Mart while taking full-time credits. That was enough to pay for rent, groceries, etc. The bare necessities. But it was still a significantly higher standard of living than when Proverbs 24:27 was written.
So that's where I'd push back anytime someone says, "Well, you really need to get a college degree or a high paying job before getting marriage." As a matter of fact, I'd say getting married when you have very little (but still sufficient) means prepares a couple for potentially hard financial seasons they face ahead.
Again, thank you for reading. So glad you could support your daughter getting married young. An exciting time!
My wife and I got married at the same ages that you were (I was 21, she was 19). We just celebrated 6 years. I’m encouraged by your words, and thankful to be in the season we’re in. Hoping I can be like you in another 10 years!
Twinsies! That's great, Zane. Keep clinging to Christ and I'm willing to bet that you guys will only grow in gratitude for your decision to marry "early."
Great post! We got married at 20 & 23 and celebrated 50 years two weeks ago. We had met at a church camp in 1966, drifted apart and began dating in 1971. When I look at how that first date came about, there is no way on earth that it could have happened without His intervention. It has been a wonderful 50 years. Hopefully He has written in 60 years and perhaps even 70. Time will tell.
Praise God for his kindness in your life, Greg. Thank you for sharing.
Well done brother! You moved away and here I am, still enjoying your giftedness. Glory to God!
Thank you, brother! Grateful for your encouragement! Glory to God indeed.
I found your Substack through Tim Challies email newsletter. I'm one of those who got married late at 29, not because I wanted to, but God brought the right woman into my life after I stopped trying to find someone to marry and just be happy with being single. Been married close to 18 years now. 3 kids. 2 from her previous marriage. Our daughter just got married at 21 and we had people saying they should have maybe waited. I agree with your assessment though and I fully supported them getting married young. However, I have heard pastors use Proverbs 24:27 and interpret it to mean get your financial grounding (education, good job, etc.) before building your home (get married).
Thanks for reading, Daniel. Praise God for his kindness in 18 years of marriage. That's a gift.
I think Proverbs 24:27 speaks into this. As was the case for me, once I wanted to pursue marriage, I realized, "Oh, man. I need a better job." I couldn't get married and not provide financially. That would put me out of step God's Word. 1 Timothy 5:8 comes to mind - "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
But what's sufficient to get started? When we got married, my wife was working full-time at a convenience store and I was working 35ish hours a week at Wal-Mart while taking full-time credits. That was enough to pay for rent, groceries, etc. The bare necessities. But it was still a significantly higher standard of living than when Proverbs 24:27 was written.
So that's where I'd push back anytime someone says, "Well, you really need to get a college degree or a high paying job before getting marriage." As a matter of fact, I'd say getting married when you have very little (but still sufficient) means prepares a couple for potentially hard financial seasons they face ahead.
Again, thank you for reading. So glad you could support your daughter getting married young. An exciting time!
Thank you, Zak, such a joy to hear about how the
Lord is working in your life. All glory to God!
Thanks, Jerry. God is good.