Genesis 2:23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”

Every time I read this verse I feel a catch in my heart. Before this verse we read that God has determined that it isn’t good for man to be alone, that he should have a companion, so God brings all animals before Adam so he can name them and to see if he’d find a companion in one of them. However, none of them fit, none of them are “The One”. None of them cry out to his heart….
YES!!! You’re the one!!!

Of course God knows this, He knows what Adam needs, but I wonder if God wanted Adam to know it as well. Does God want Adam to see what doesn’t work, what’s wrong so he’ll recognize what does work, what’s right?

That got me to thinking; Isn’t that how God works sometimes? He allows us to have what’s wrong so we can then appreciate what’s right? Not just appreciate it but recognize it. For example….when God’s people cried out for a king they were warned what would happen; how badly they would be treated, the yoke placed upon them by the “king” they so desperately wanted would be a heavy one. They cried out, saying they didn’t care; they wanted to be like the nations around them. God gave them what they wanted. King Saul. It seemed, at first, to be a good idea but it went downhill quickly.

In God’s grace He removed the heavy burden of a bad king and gave them King David. They were able to recognize what was right because they experienced what was wrong.

So Adam recognized Eve as the flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. He looked at her and said, “There you are!! Where have you been all of my life!!??” (Obviously taking some liberty here.)

He looked at her and he saw the person who would walk life’s road with him. His partner. His friend. His lover. His helpmate. He recognized her and was SO excited to be with her.

So, what’s the application here? Do you recognize the bad so you can appreciate and recognize the good?

If you’re married, do you look at your spouse with that passion, that sense of profound recognition of who they are to you?

Young men and women who aren’t married, God has made someone just for you. Just like He made Eve for Adam. Are you being vigilant, watchful for the “bone of your bone”? Are you excited about the prospect of your future spouse?

Then be in prayer now. Pray for the man or woman He has for you. When it comes to your future spouse, don’t make the mistake of going thru the bad so you can recognize the good. How do you do that? As in ALL things, turn to the God’s Word.

I think of Philippians 4:6-8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.

Keep yourself pure, keep your heart pure for that special one God made just for you. I speak with my girls all the time and advise them, there’s nothing more precious you can give your spouse than a pure heart. One unbroken by previous relationships but a whole one, ready to walk into the future with The One who is the bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh.