How do you know if she or he is the one that God's prepared for

It is always a hot discussion for young single christians: how do you know he(she) is the one that God has prepared for you? Some people say that they will be together eventurally if they are set to be a couple by God's will. In some sense it is correct, however, it does not waive your reponsiblities to do what you have to do. When you meet a nice girl and you are attracted to her, you might think probably this is the one that God has prepared for me and you want to know her more. you start going out with her, talk with her, spend time with her, share your life expectation and future plan with her. If both of you feel ease, safe and happy with each other and you want to be together, then things go to the next step -- marriage. After years of happness of being together, you look back and say "She is the one that God has prepared for me for sure". From dating to marriage, there are a lot of signs of God's guidance, but it is rarely visible, verbal or vocal, rather it works more through the fellowship of Holy Spirit.  God has given us the ability to observe, think and decide, we have to use it in a way that pleases God with the help of Holy Spirit. We can't and shouldn't pass all the respnsiblities to God and just wait there for the unknown things. It is our own life, I think God will be pleased to see that we try to explore the world, learn things from what we have experienced, find what is good for us and what is not good for us, enjoy the grace and blessing from God and thank God for all we have. It is just like a father and a kid. If you are a father, which way do you prefer to raise your kid? You tell him everything you think is good for him?  or you let him to think and find by himself under your guidance?

 

There is also another similar issue which is about the chose ones. Someone used a parable to describe it: There is the gate of eternal life and on the front of the gate it says: Invitations to eternal life. Many people pass by, some enters the gate and some doesn't. Those who enter the gate look back when they have passed the gate, and they see on the back of the gate: You are the chosen one. Before you enter the gate, you will never know you are the chosen ones or not. God has prepared us enormous blessings and we just need to step forward and enjoy it.

 

-- Abstraction of my thoughts and conversation with Pastor Jack