What is Marriage? // Before I Do - Stephanie Ike Okafor

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  • čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
  • Discover the foundational essence of marriage in "Before I Do: Biblical Blueprint for Love & Marriage" as we dive into Part 1: "What is Marriage?"
    In this insightful episode:
    - Learn that marriage isn't just a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Discover why prioritizing the marriage over the wedding is crucial.
    - Understand that marriage isn't merely a contractual agreement but a God-ordained institution rooted in covenant and spiritual significance.
    - Dive into the biblical narrative of marriage as seen in Genesis 2:21-25, uncovering its spiritual and relational depth.
    - Gain clarity on the covenantal nature of marriage and the responsibilities it entails, with a focus on unconditional love and faithfulness.
    Stay tuned for next week's continuation, where we discuss "The Purpose of Marriage."
    Subscribe to my CZcams Channel and stay connected / stephanieike
    Pre-Order my new book, "The Power of Your Dreams: A Guide to Hearing and Understanding How God Speaks While You Sleep." www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Dre...

Komentáře • 639

  • @FavoriteHillsongWorshipMusic

    My mom gets up every day at 3 am to talk to Jesus. I know that's it her prayers that have kept me going. My grandma taught my mom to talk to Jesus. A few weeks ago my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, last night my grandma was talking to Jesus and He told her He had healed her. All the pain is gone. We woke up at 3 am to talk to Jesus and thank Him. Please join me in thanking Him and making my grandma's miracle whole.

    • @elshadiebirratu6003
      @elshadiebirratu6003 Před 28 dny +14

      I started praying at 3 am recently, and I have already seen significant changes in my life, but most of all, my relationship and prayer time with God have gotten stronger.

    • @jordanpudumo2672
      @jordanpudumo2672 Před 28 dny +3

      We bless the Lord for healing your grandmother 🎉❤. We celebrate with you

    • @vivettecharoo1541
      @vivettecharoo1541 Před 28 dny

      Praise God for that miracle that your grandma received.

    • @maggylevelle173
      @maggylevelle173 Před 27 dny +2

      We stand in agreement and thank God for healing your grand mother.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

    • @Goddessctata
      @Goddessctata Před 27 dny

      Praise be to God❤

  • @OlwethuQhinga
    @OlwethuQhinga Před 29 dny +304

    “People should not be your standard , God is your standard “

  • @Fiona-so1lj
    @Fiona-so1lj Před měsícem +489

    Single people where are you at?

  • @nosimilovilakati2863
    @nosimilovilakati2863 Před měsícem +545

    The number of Africans here🎉

  • @babalwandunge6232
    @babalwandunge6232 Před měsícem +403

    It’s mid-night in South Africa and we are here 🙋🏽‍♀️🫶🏽

  • @nadinewalker9375
    @nadinewalker9375 Před 29 dny +181

    I love the way Pastor Stephanie teaches us the word of GOD! She does it with authority, but with so much kindness. Her voice is so angelic. So soothing. It’s like she chastises us with pure love. I’m 50+ and I’ve been married 31 or 32 years. Child I can’t remember exactly. I stop counting. But one thing I do know, it requires hard work, a lot of understanding and patience and a heart filled with much love for your partner. I’m glad for this series, because I’m still learning. Because two things I don’t want to do is walk away for my marriage or disappoint GOD!! Blessings to you and your entire family pastor Stephanie.

    • @Elishatheaviator
      @Elishatheaviator Před 29 dny +6

      I like how you’re open minded. Even with all that marriage experience, you still open to learning. May God continue to bless you and you until family.

    • @maggylevelle173
      @maggylevelle173 Před 27 dny

      I love her too!! She’s such a blessings.!

    • @eveh4699
      @eveh4699 Před 20 dny

      Me too ,I love her voice and the way she speaks it's indeed with so much authority

  • @Kiesha-rq4bf
    @Kiesha-rq4bf Před 29 dny +235

    This series is an answered prayer. I’m not married yet. Recently engaged and God has been ministering to my heart about marriage. Looking forward to this series.

  • @amahriahall5169
    @amahriahall5169 Před měsícem +147

    The Year of the Bride 🎉

  • @desgonzale
    @desgonzale Před 28 dny +31

    I’m getting married in August, this couldn’t have come at a better time! 💖

  • @alicemutuma15
    @alicemutuma15 Před 28 dny +45

    The wedding is an event but marriage is a journey

  • @mexicancandy1572
    @mexicancandy1572 Před 27 dny +80

    Me and my fiancé just got ENGAGED on May 3rd, he proposed in Half moon bay, California. It was beautiful 🥹
    We’ve been keeping God as our glue from the beginning of our relationship.
    This video couldn’t have come at a most perfect timing so Thank you for this 💕

    • @Kholeka_M
      @Kholeka_M Před 19 dny

      Congratulations! 💗May God bless your union.

    • @Life_with_Jan
      @Life_with_Jan Před 17 dny

      Big congratulations to you. I pray for this for myself too.

    • @kyomugishaeve9843
      @kyomugishaeve9843 Před 17 dny

      May God go before you

    • @peacefaith560
      @peacefaith560 Před dnem

      Half moon cay ?? So are you guys still celibate??

  • @metoyou2576
    @metoyou2576 Před měsícem +184

    Divorce can happen because sometimes people marry someone who was not ordained by God. His word says “I will create a helper that is suitable for you!” So I hope in your series you will talk about how to seek God and get confirmation to know that person is THE one ordained by God. Love you Pastor Steph! 🙏🏾

    • @michoumosmo9377
      @michoumosmo9377 Před 29 dny +5

      So True !!!

    • @abkmshdso4382
      @abkmshdso4382 Před 29 dny +20

      There are many people suitable for you. God didn't create a wife for all of His people. How many times in the bible did God select a wife for a man? Confirmation is important I agree, because SOME marriages are part of God's plan. But it is not biblical to believe God created 1 person for you and if you don't marry that person it's not God ordained

    • @metoyou2576
      @metoyou2576 Před 29 dny

      @@abkmshdso4382regardless of how many are out there for us, we still need to seek God and get confirmation that we are marrying the person that he has chosen for us.

    • @lindiswamantyi6263
      @lindiswamantyi6263 Před 29 dny +8

      ​@@abkmshdso4382This is wrong. Only one person that is suitable for you. That is biblically. Anything that is not biblically is never from God

    • @lindiswamantyi6263
      @lindiswamantyi6263 Před 29 dny

      100%. Not all divorce is against God, if the marriage was never from God, divorce must happen and that is deliverance. It is very easy to see someone who is from God or not, you test the spirit by the word of God. Anyone who doesn't obey God was never from God but from Satan to destroy you as you will exchange spirits through sex.

  • @yoniemfengwana9042
    @yoniemfengwana9042 Před 28 dny +29

    So many South Africans 🇿🇦 ❤ I’ve been pondering this because people won’t stop asking me why I am not married!😂

  • @victoriaakwamaayeboah5977
    @victoriaakwamaayeboah5977 Před 24 dny +12

    “Wherever you align with the order of God, there is a blessing” ✍️

  • @blessingekanem6474
    @blessingekanem6474 Před 2 dny

    I’m preparing for my marriage
    It’s such a privilege to listen to this message.
    “Know that you’re making the Vow to God”
    Thank you ma you’re a blessing to this generation.

  • @yvonnemariequinanola3411
    @yvonnemariequinanola3411 Před 27 dny +11

    I'm not looking out for marriage right now Lord, but Okay God, you led me here so I'm here. It won't hurt to prepare for the future.

  • @prettzel09
    @prettzel09 Před 29 dny +41

    Thank you Jesus for Stephanie. I just discovered you from a podcast episode of girls gone bible recently. I can't believe I never knew you and your ministry before. You're truly a woman of God. I'm watching some other vids here on your channel, everything you say is just rooted in God's word. I get so much wisdom and conviction from everything that you share. And this series about marriage is very much needed for me to hear this season as I've been praying to God about my heart's desire to get married one day. Thank you and I already love you!

  • @NtsikiKetelo
    @NtsikiKetelo Před měsícem +80

    It feels like ...5,4,3,2,1 Happy New year 🎆😂 (it's midnight in Mzansi 🇿🇦)

  • @victoriaaniedo6437
    @victoriaaniedo6437 Před měsícem +40

    Oh I just heard baby’s giggles 😂😍

  • @bthechurch7877
    @bthechurch7877 Před měsícem +34

    Amen!!! 29 yrs in and im here for it. We've spent a majority of our marriage fighting against one another because I now know there is a dying to self that must happen in Christ which also will give you the blue print of what the sacrifice of marriage is all about.... and if you're living in an unbalanced spiritual marriage like mine that gives us no excuse to still live a life which dies to Christ daily, AND to the marriage you are in. This is where I'm at, at this point and time. May God redeem the time we've wasted. Each day in this 29th year is new every morning as I first submit to Christ.

    • @fortunetwork
      @fortunetwork Před 29 dny

      May God bless your union ❤

    • @Whoisthatgirl2121
      @Whoisthatgirl2121 Před 29 dny

      Amen 🙏🏾 please speak to your spouse and come to an agreement over this
      What the two of you come into agreement over is extremely powerful

  • @nardiamuir4151
    @nardiamuir4151 Před měsícem +46

    It’s 3:31pm in Jamaica 🇯🇲 . I’m here for this word today.

  • @LumataVen
    @LumataVen Před 27 dny +10

    Who else clicked the like button before the 1 minute was over? 🥰 I so admire Pastor Stephanie

  • @fredrickabell691
    @fredrickabell691 Před 16 dny +4

    My fiancé and I are getting married June 1st. We were listening to this yesterday and it speaks to us because we’ve been shacking up and I have to admit that Pastor Stephanie is right about it opening doors for unwanted spiritual attacks. I love her series and it is teaching us a lot as we’re a young couple. He said he knew I was his wife the first day we met but due to circumstances like in Canada it’s so expensive to get married. A marriage license here is $175 which use to be $50. Churches are charging $1200 to do ceremony which the court house is charging $500. We have a big family but we are just doing something intimate with 50 people and honestly it all adds up to a hefty amount.

    • @latoyacarey3216
      @latoyacarey3216 Před 2 dny

      God will honor your willingness to make it right. Happy New Covenant Day to you and your NOW spouse! 🎉🎉

  • @olebogengmoagi4212
    @olebogengmoagi4212 Před měsícem +26

    Tuning in from South Africa 🇿🇦

  • @letsunfoldwithLefatshe
    @letsunfoldwithLefatshe Před 27 dny +9

    Marriage is a God ordained institution…I love that 💯

  • @koketsomanamela9712
    @koketsomanamela9712 Před měsícem +47

    South African 🇿🇦 ❤

  • @mandisamakubu7651
    @mandisamakubu7651 Před 29 dny +51

    5 am in South Africa 🇿🇦 I started praying for a husband 6 days ago so I’m looking forward to this series!
    Edit: I stopped. I am not ready.

  • @mayibongwenkazimulo2934
    @mayibongwenkazimulo2934 Před 25 dny +3

    I love it when the HOLY SPIRIT is ministering to me about a topic and then I get on CZcams and discover my sister in the Lord has been given the same message . It blesses me all the time . And the timing spot on

  • @AnokMayom
    @AnokMayom Před 29 dny +13

    Watching from Australia 🇦🇺, Love how she pointed out people are not your standard, “ GOD is your standard”.

  • @LeboLizMolaba
    @LeboLizMolaba Před měsícem +14

    London is in the house 🇬🇧it’s 23:30 here ❤

  • @girlnamedrehoboth
    @girlnamedrehoboth Před 28 dny +7

    Did anyone catch how her daughter seems to open a door or cabinet at the moment she says, "if the doors are open"? Epic😊

  • @centre_stage5599
    @centre_stage5599 Před dnem

    Wow, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical not because I don't believe in pastor Stephanie's annoiting , I believe that she's an incredible pastor who hears God's voice and teaches us in the most loving and gentle way possible, was skeptical because she hasn't been married for a long time , but I was so wrong this series is fire, I really needed this especially since I am believing God to send me my God ordained husband. We are so blessed to have an incredible women like her leading us through this important topic .

  • @ezinneerhirhieneeukaogo1439

    In other words , marry a man who is willing to honor you so that his prayers would not be hindered as his hindered prayers would also affect you

  • @jewel6646
    @jewel6646 Před 29 dny +9

    This is a blessing. No one thought is what marriage is all about. We had to observe family which wasn’t the best blueprint. Thank God for this revelation❤.

  • @p89726
    @p89726 Před 29 dny +27

    I have been wrestling with the truth of what a marriage is and recently (literally yesterday) I asked the Lord to make it abundantly clear to me - and now, I encounter this video. My God!!!!
    I am so excited for this series. 🙏🏻💕

  • @givethemasafespace
    @givethemasafespace Před měsícem +17

    It will be exactly 12:00am here in Botswana 🇧🇼. Can't wait to hear the word 🙏🛐

  • @authornikkimichelle2048
    @authornikkimichelle2048 Před 29 dny +8

    Thank you Lord God for this anointed wife, mother and pastor. I got married at 21 and divorced by 24, I am now 52---- to understand marriage, if I'll ever get married again, is to understand its purpose❤ HOW WILL MY MARRIAGE BRING GLORY TO OUR GOD🙏🏾

    • @lizwanjirunyaga9582
      @lizwanjirunyaga9582 Před 21 dnem

      Please check out Tiphani Montgomery's The Year Of The Bride Fast. It'll open your eyes to so many issues to do with marriage, delay, and bloodline patterns in line with marriage. You won't regret it because God will show you THINGS!

  • @monicawanjikumwaura6689
    @monicawanjikumwaura6689 Před měsícem +27

    Oh, it'll be 1am Sunday in Kenya 🇰🇪 where I live. So I'll have to watch this after church during the day but I'm excited all the same! Thanks for the series and your obedience to God ❤🙏🏼 Enjoy your staycation!

  • @evambeyu2044
    @evambeyu2044 Před 16 dny +1

    I am in Kenya and am sharing this testimony, God taught me all you are saying and taught me exactly what you have said and I shared this today with my fiancee in the morning on the convenant. I was taught so much exactly in the order you are speaking. God is using you as a vessel in my life to confirm and stamp a lot of things. Please continue and God bless you.

  • @holidayadventures2670
    @holidayadventures2670 Před 29 dny +4

    Getting married next year :) such a blessing to be here and listen to this message. It popped up at the right time God bless you Stephanie 🙏

  • @kaydeonbassaragh5594
    @kaydeonbassaragh5594 Před měsícem +15

    Just start listening…My only disappointment is the length of the video ..😢love listening to the teaching of Pastor Steph..can’t wait for part 2. May the Lord bless u..How can I sow into your podcast… this is my open door

    • @harrietmvula
      @harrietmvula Před 28 dny

      Me too I was like, no, this is short 😂😂😂

  • @startingoverbygrace
    @startingoverbygrace Před 29 dny +6

    Stephanie I found you via Girls Gone Bible and I was truly blessed by your story and testimony. God bless you as I am at a pivotal point in my life where God is heavily revealing so many things to me and God has been connecting to a path by having people whether physically or spiritually to show up in my life in this time to lead to the path of righteousness. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @GaliNyama
    @GaliNyama Před 29 dny +6

    I am young & single,wanting building that strong foundation before I get into marriage.
    AMEN❤"a covanant is a covering" wow. I cannot wait for more videos on this series. "When a purpose of a thing is unknown abuse is invertible" wow this stuck with me.

  • @NicoleGVictory
    @NicoleGVictory Před 29 dny +7

    So good authentic and true Stephanie! Sweet baby noises in the background😊. The Year of the Bride👰‍♀️! Jesus is my only beloved and he is in me I am in him all is well with my soul. I will remain celibate humble faithful loving and true trusting my Dad all the way through.🙏🏼I surrender my life and desires to you Lord have your way in my life on earth as it is in heaven in Jesus compassionate name I pray amen!💞

  • @moses9326
    @moses9326 Před měsícem +15

    Truly your ministry is sent to a set of people of which I’m one of them. Thanks mummy, I honor the grace and calling of God upon your life. Shalom

  • @selachulu8398
    @selachulu8398 Před 29 dny +12

    I see South Africa showing so much love here to this beautiful word. Whoooooop whooooop!!! 😂❤️🤗

  • @ayomiposiosho486
    @ayomiposiosho486 Před 21 dnem +1

    I've been waiting for something like this !!! I'm so grateful God put this in your heart to share with the world !! This series is an answer to my prayers. I was literally asking God to teach me what he designed marriage to be, what a husband is meant to look like, what a wife is meant to look like, through Gods eyes and not through that of pain or what the world has decided.

  • @preciousmbele584
    @preciousmbele584 Před 29 dny +6

    It's 6:49 in South Africa ,tuning in before I go to church.❤

  • @Mrs.Pinero_
    @Mrs.Pinero_ Před 11 dny

    I’m happy someone spoke on this! My husband and I didn’t have the funds at the time to get married on paper and God revealed to us that it’s more than just a paper it’s a covenant.
    Eventually we did get the paper work but a lot of people we told before then were completely against it. They couldn’t seem to understand how we were married without having a ceremony or a certificate. We will also eventually have an actual ceremony because we still want have that experience and pictures of course ☺️

  • @nokulungashaba1807
    @nokulungashaba1807 Před 28 dny +3

    I Thank God for you sis . I am watching from South Africa and a person who is believing God for a Husband I was so blessed by your teaching. Wow 🤗🤗 I have learnt a lot already and I can't wait for part 2. God bless you 🙏🙏

  • @Its-sarahj
    @Its-sarahj Před měsícem +6

    Amazing video! I was literally just checking the bible this morning to understand what God says about marriage and the role of a wife and a husband.

  • @jackelineamado245
    @jackelineamado245 Před 29 dny

    Yesss for this series!!❤

  • @vevangouuakaihiva9452
    @vevangouuakaihiva9452 Před 27 dny +2

    Beautiful thank you so much
    Am just coming out of a 11 year relationship
    We have been cohabiting for six years
    The more a I grew closer to God our relationship got shaken
    I’m now believing God for a husband
    He cheated on me over all the years of being together
    I don’t know if I should ever take him back or not
    Please any one reading this pray for me for strength to either forget him or God to send me my husband

  • @tweety1601
    @tweety1601 Před měsícem +2

    So excited!!

  • @charlotted6168
    @charlotted6168 Před 29 dny +1

    Thank you, I needed this ❤

  • @abbyalanis00
    @abbyalanis00 Před 29 dny +1

    Yay I am so glad you’re back!!! Perfect timing! 💕

  • @samanthagchere
    @samanthagchere Před 12 dny +1

    My best friend and I here i Zimbabwe , Africa love learning from you Big Sister Stephanie ❤ Thank you

  • @YisauryOrtiz
    @YisauryOrtiz Před 29 dny +1

    Right on time ! Thank you Stephanie

  • @charlinecharlostin3188
    @charlinecharlostin3188 Před 29 dny +1

    I am too excited for this series

  • @dianewashington505
    @dianewashington505 Před měsícem +1

    Thank you for doing this ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @Heather-ef2vw
    @Heather-ef2vw Před 29 dny

    Powerful! Thank you for sharing!

  • @Pomaa25
    @Pomaa25 Před 29 dny +1

    So timely!🙌

  • @LifeWithLueni
    @LifeWithLueni Před 28 dny +1

    Welcome back!!!! This was sooooo good!

  • @adelaidemarufu
    @adelaidemarufu Před měsícem +10

    A minister sent to me, always with timely messages of and from the heart of the father 🥹♥️

  • @ephraimeh2253
    @ephraimeh2253 Před měsícem

    Thank you for blessing us before hand❤️

  • @deniquebarnett2307
    @deniquebarnett2307 Před měsícem +1

    This is so timely 🙏🏽

  • @buhlebenkosincube4245
    @buhlebenkosincube4245 Před měsícem +1

    Can't wait mummy ❤

  • @ms_job
    @ms_job Před 29 dny

    You are finally back!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Yeay! ❤🥰🤗💕

  • @vanessagloiremutoni8395

    I was waiting for this from you
    And thanks to be the Chanel

  • @mmesomablessingokosa2659
    @mmesomablessingokosa2659 Před měsícem +3

    Waiting patiently..🙏

  • @SarahJaneRameau
    @SarahJaneRameau Před 27 dny

    Excited for part 2!

  • @lashawnw.
    @lashawnw. Před 24 dny

    Thank you for this series ❤

  • @Alex-uj5wn
    @Alex-uj5wn Před 29 dny

    So good pastor Steph!

  • @Gangel0811
    @Gangel0811 Před 28 dny

    That was so good! 🙏

  • @Iamafiabelle
    @Iamafiabelle Před 29 dny +1

    Super excited about this series 😊

  • @adwoaahenkora3191
    @adwoaahenkora3191 Před 29 dny

    ThNK YOU! God bless you!

  • @girlnamedrehoboth
    @girlnamedrehoboth Před 28 dny

    I am so looking forward to the rest of this series. Thank you so much!

  • @DiamondAlicia_
    @DiamondAlicia_ Před 29 dny +1

    This series came at perfect timing!! So excited to watch ❤

  • @tinaressemackenzie5490
    @tinaressemackenzie5490 Před měsícem +1

    Always on time ❤️

  • @user-qf7vi2ly8l
    @user-qf7vi2ly8l Před 28 dny

    Hiiii boo! You’re my bestie in my head ❤️ thanks for this series!

  • @keishawithers3743
    @keishawithers3743 Před 27 dny

    I can’t wait for part 2 !!!! Thank u Pastor!!!!

  • @sarahletsoalo9668
    @sarahletsoalo9668 Před 23 dny

    ❤thank you pastor

  • @ShawnaRaeParker
    @ShawnaRaeParker Před 29 dny

    This. Is. Right. On. Time! Thank you Pastor!!! ❤️

  • @doloresmedina0617
    @doloresmedina0617 Před 28 dny

    I'm excited for this series❤ 🙏🏿

  • @mutalengaba3845
    @mutalengaba3845 Před 28 dny

    Super excited for this series!!! Truly an answered prayer

  • @moses9326
    @moses9326 Před měsícem

    Thanks a lot pst. See you next week pst.

  • @levineakampa9432
    @levineakampa9432 Před 28 dny +2

    So I know I am not the only one thinking it but I sometimes wonder if Stephanie is not an Angel living among us. I am not even playing. This teacher is sent from heaven to live among humans to spread the word.

  • @ToffyOlowo
    @ToffyOlowo Před 29 dny

    Right on time! See you next week fave💃🏾

  • @LearnwithMsC
    @LearnwithMsC Před 29 dny

    Thank you for sharing, Stephanie. I'm excited to watch this series.

  • @D-----
    @D----- Před měsícem +1

    IM SAT😭😭 Pastor Steph

  • @oyindamolaademolaa
    @oyindamolaademolaa Před 29 dny +1

    This is so relevant! Super excited for Part 2!

  • @ChasingChrist
    @ChasingChrist Před měsícem +3

    Been waiting on a marriage video

  • @Dorcas8401
    @Dorcas8401 Před 29 dny

    Thank you... very insightful teaching.

  • @shainabolden1541
    @shainabolden1541 Před 29 dny

    This is my first time seeing you but I really love the way you teach! Made a lot of sense, can’t wait for part 2!

  • @Thehandbaguru263
    @Thehandbaguru263 Před 28 dny

    thank you Pastor

  • @FlorynChiwen
    @FlorynChiwen Před měsícem

    God bless You for doing these series. More grace and strength 🙏🏽♥️

  • @sashblessedhome
    @sashblessedhome Před 27 dny

    Amen! Looking forward to part 2

  • @FlorenceIkenokwalu
    @FlorenceIkenokwalu Před měsícem

    I can't wait💃💃💃💃💃am super excited 😊

  • @atuhurirakomuhwezi2991

    The open door versus covenant policy for me...I feel blessed to have landed on this video.

  • @belovedsoniathewriter
    @belovedsoniathewriter Před měsícem

    This is so timely and helpful. Bless you, Pastor Steph. 🙏🏼