For Christian singles, few questions weigh heavier than this: Was meeting this person God’s doing—or just a random twist of life? In moments like these, it’s easy to overthink every word, every glance, and every circumstance. But not every meeting is a divine encounter pointing toward your future spouse.
God’s word shows us ways to tell the difference between his purposeful orchestration and an unimportant coincidence. Let’s walk through three biblical markers of a divine encounter, illustrated through the story of April—a Christian woman navigating her own questions about love and God’s timing.
1. A Divine Encounter Will Align With God’s Word
April had been praying for years about her future husband. One rainy afternoon, she decided to spend time with God at a local coffee shop. As she read her Bible, a man named Daniel asked if he could share her table since the café was crowded. They started talking, and April learned that Daniel also attended church and went to a Bible study. He was friendly, respectful, and seemed genuinely interested in her faith.
Later that night, she prayed, Lord, is Daniel the one? The next morning during her devotion, she read 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” April realized this wasn’t just a warning about marrying a nonbeliever—it was a reminder to seek someone who shared her faith in action, not just in words. Over time, she noticed Daniel’s lifestyle didn’t match his talk about God. The meeting had been interesting, but not an alignment with God’s word.
A divine encounter will never contradict the Bible’s principles for relationships. God won’t lead you toward someone whose life and choices steer you away from Him (Psalm 119:105). Many singles misinterpret emotional excitement as God’s leading, but if the person’s values or actions don’t line up with Scripture, it’s a red flag.
Think of God’s word as a compass. A divine encounter points in the same direction as the compass needle—true north toward Christ. A coincidence might look promising, but if it sends you off course, it’s not God’s leading.
2. A Divine Encounter Will Produce Spiritual Growth, Not Just Romantic Excitement
A month later, April joined a weekend outreach project at her church. She was paired with a man named John to organize donated clothing for families in need. Throughout the day, their conversation centered on how God had been stretching their faith lately. John shared how he had to forgive a former business partner, and April opened up about her struggles with some family members. They prayed together before going home.
That night, April felt deeply encouraged—not just because John was kind and single, but because their interaction had drawn her closer to God. She found herself praying more earnestly for her future and trusting God’s plan. Whether or not John was “the one,” the encounter had made her spiritually stronger.
When God arranges a meeting with someone—whether they end up being your spouse or not—there will be spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22–23). This could mean deeper trust in God, renewed hope, or conviction about areas that need change. Romantic chemistry alone isn’t enough; godly encounters leave you more like Christ. Coincidences, on the other hand, might give you butterflies but leave your soul unchanged.
A coincidence is like cotton candy, sweet in the moment but gone instantly. A divine encounter is like a nourishing meal. It satisfies deeper needs and helps you grow stronger.
3. A Divine Encounter Is Preceded By God’s Preparation in Your Life
Several months later, April attended a Christian conference in another city. During lunch, she heard someone call her name. It was John. They caught up and really hit it off again just like they did the last time when they were serving at the outreach project. This time, however, John pursued April more intentionally. He asked for her phone number, and in the weeks ahead, they became a couple. A year later, they were engaged.
Looking back, April realized how much God had shaped both of them since they last met. While there was obvious chemistry during their first meeting, she saw how they still needed time apart before they were ready to become a couple. Before God brought them back together, he had prepared them both in important ways.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” A divine encounter often fits into a larger pattern of God’s work in your life. You can look back and see how he has been shaping your character, building your faith, and even arranging life events so the timing is right.
A random coincidence doesn’t carry that same sense of God’s hand weaving the pieces together. Think of it like a jigsaw puzzle. A divine encounter clicks into place with the other pieces of your life’s story. A coincidence might look like it fits at first, but when you try to place it, it doesn’t connect with the bigger picture.
For Christian singles, the hope of meeting “the one” can make every new introduction feel weighty. But God calls us to walk in wisdom, not fear. Like April, you can learn to ask:
- Does this align with God’s Word?
- Does this encounter lead me closer to Christ?
- Does this meeting fit into the story God has been writing in my life?
Not every coffee shop conversation, ministry project, or surprise reunion will lead to marriage—but if it’s from God, it will always lead you closer to Him. And in his timing, he can use one of those encounters to bring you to the person he’s prepared for you.
