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

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 KZbin 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...

[@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]

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]

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

[@vivettecharoo1541]

Praise God for that miracle that your grandma received.

[@maggylevelle173]

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

[@Goddessctata]

Praise be to God❤

[@OlwethuQhinga]

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

[@stephiekashosi866]

Indeed 🤗🙌

[@nosimilovilakati2863]

The number of Africans here🎉

[@selachulu8398]

Right!!! 😂we love each other that way

[@gcobisamajobela6983]

Right!!!

[@tenacious1]

Does Afro-American count? Lol

[@alicesontambeachareenoncho2709]

@@tenacious1definitely❤

[@achatwithgoitse]

🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼❤

[@Fiona_virtualassistant]

Single people where are you at?

[@kamogelomithi5738]

We are here and learning from the Lord🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mercymfune766]

We are here

[@nomaswazigloriadlamini9064]

❤

[@Idkjustyet]

😭😂

[@wadzanaim7768]

I’m right here!

[@babalwandunge6232]

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

[@musankanyane2063]

Ofcause we are 😊😊😊

[@MaMgazi]

Me too!!!

[@sanyusarah-mv5jj]

Me too in saudi Arabia ❤

[@lwandilehlongwane2790]

yeah☺

[@user-gl7yd5zt2f]

We are within📍😂😂

[@Kiesha-rq4bf]

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.

[@achatwithgoitse]

Congratulations!!!🎊🎉🍾 You so blessed! ❤

[@Katniss796]

❤🎉 Congratulations,may God lead ur way

[@divinefavourokafor9917]

Congratulations ❤

[@imonicahmaina6844]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@user-xo6zs5xc8m]

Congratulations

[@nadinewalker9375]

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]

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]

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

[@eveh4699]

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

[@mexicancandy1572]

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]

Congratulations! 💗May God bless your union.

[@Life_with_Jan]

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

[@kyomugishaeve9843]

May God go before you

[@peacefaith560]

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

[@amahriahall5169]

The Year of the Bride 🎉

[@butterfliesandsilkflorals3716]

🙏👰🏽‍♀️💍💝🥂🎉

[@UKAZI_Biblical_Womanhood]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@elizae2528]

Amen! I dont know to who but GOD gonna make me married in 2024!

[@florenceogoe6214]

Amennnnnnn 🙏 🎉

[@florenceogoe6214]

Amennnnnnn 🎉

[@alicemutuma15]

The wedding is an event but marriage is a journey

[@desgonzale]

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

[@metoyou2576]

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]

So True !!!

[@abkmshdso4382]

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]

@@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]

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

[@lindiswamantyi6263]

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]

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

[@victoriaakwamaayeboah5977]

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

[@prettzel09]

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!

[@LumataVen]

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

[@bthechurch7877]

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]

May God bless your union ❤

[@Whoisthatgirl2121]

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

[@letsunfoldwithLefatshe]

Marriage is a God ordained institution…I love that 💯

[@zinhlezandilemahlangu1941]

Oh what a word🙌🏼 Marriage is God’s idea, it is His Holy institution❤️

[@nardiamuir4151]

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

[@Romel5427]

Me too, Miss. JA.

[@BeautyTalksBible]

🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

[@NtsikiKetelo]

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

[@Prophetoffaith]

Asilalanga😂😂

[@tsireledzobadugela9746]

🎉🎉🎉am glad u here ❤

[@buyihlubi3344]

Lol happppppi!!!!!

[@NtsikiKetelo]

@@buyihlubi3344 🤣

[@NtsikiKetelo]

@@tsireledzobadugela9746 ❤

[@fredrickabell691]

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]

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

[@AnokMayom]

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

[@jewel6646]

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❤.

[@victoriaaniedo6437]

Oh I just heard baby’s giggles 😂😍

[@Idkjustyet]

😂💕

[@olebogengmoagi4212]

Tuning in from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@Prophetoffaith]

Rekawufela😂😂

[@givethemasafespace]

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

[@LeboLizMolaba]

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

[@girlnamedrehoboth]

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

[@yvonnemariequinanola3411]

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.

[@moses9326]

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

[@koketsomanamela9712]

South African 🇿🇦 ❤

[@startingoverbygrace]

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. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@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

[@p89726]

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. 🙏🏻💕

[@mandisamakubu7651]

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.

[@reeshaw2411]

I started May 1st

[@ronicakuntes9562]

Amen sis ❤

[@maggiembochegama1222]

Me too sis

[@fikiledhlame9550]

Ok, I’m joining you ladies. I’ll start today! 😊

[@Goddessctata]

We are in this together.

[@GaliNyama]

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.

[@monicawanjikumwaura6689]

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!

[@zakiahwachira411]

Hi🇰🇪

[@wambuikimangara]

Eeey🎉🎉🎉 Kenyans we’re here Pastor Stephanie

[@monicawanjikumwaura6689]

Now watching... Hi @zakiahwachira411 🇰🇪 😊

[@zakiahwachira411]

@@monicawanjikumwaura6689 Hi enjoy😊

[@rachelmutuku3268]

🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@mayibongwenkazimulo2934]

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

[@authornikkimichelle2048]

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]

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!

[@holidayadventures2670]

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]

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]

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

[@preciousmbele584]

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

[@selachulu8398]

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

[@Its-sarahj]

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.

[@NicoleGVictory]

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!💞

[@centre_stage5599]

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 .

[@teikosannor]

Pastor Steph, I see people arguing about whether or not one should remarry after divorce. Oh, how I’d love to hear what you have to say on that! Maybe someday. Thank you for this series. 🧡🧡🧡

[@peacefaith560]

God hates divorce NOT the divorcee ! Repent and move on if you desire another spouse seek God

[@evambeyu2044]

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.

[@nokulungashaba1807]

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 🙏🙏

[@iveyinniss]

I need all 6 parts of this series NOWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Pastor Stephanie❤️ you’re the realest !!!!

[@adelaidemarufu]

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

[@jabulilexulu278]

I already cant wait for Pt2, Stephanie always explains things so beautifully. What an anointed woman!

[@abbyalanis00]

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

[@khosipenelope5731]

“People should not be your standard”❤

[@ayomiposiosho486]

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.

[@Thatcher8888]

This is God sent, such perfect timing. I'm totally here for this series.

[@ekenemay]

Sooooo excited about this series! Thank you Pastor Stephanie!❤❤❤

[@openlyanonymous]

i ain’t even married or close to marriage but anything by stephanie ike imma eat it up!

[@yourfriendlyyoutuber]

I’ve been wondering when Pastor Stephanie was gonna do a series on marriage then BOOM! A PROPHETIC WORD, per usual. I can’t wait for the rest of this series to unfold. Thank you, Jesus! 🙏🏽

[@nsozicmanite3444]

It’s 00:15 am, in Namibia, super excited.

[@Silvia.peter1]

The Lord is always ON TIME. Thank you God. Thank you Stephanie for your obedience

[@NicoleZwane309]

God is indeed an on time God,God told you last year to make a series on marriage and a few weeks ago I’ve been asking God what marriage is and searching people I can watch but I didn’t want to listen to just anybody and you released this now. All Glory to God honestly🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@reitumetsekgasoe9703]

What a blessing of a teaching. Thanks for the reminder that when one has gone into marriage the wrong way, there’s still hope

[@preciousmbele584]

Can't wait, you are truly God sent.

[@ravenvdukes]

When I tell you this is a God sent series. You have no idea!!! I have these questions while single and God has sent me answers. God bless you for your obedience ❤

[@XtraOrdinaire134]

Looking forward to PART 2. Thank you so much Pastor Steph♡♡♡

[@LindaKhadenje-zh7vg]

This Series is specifically for me, truly excited and feeling blessed.Thank you Stephanie and be blessed

[@hannahi9355]

Stephanie is so wise. I needed this.

[@girlnamedrehoboth]

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

[@mirembepeace2165]

Thank you Stephanie. I have been specially touched by the fact that marriage is God's idea and an institution which he loves.

[@helenegwu5021]

Thank God, it's my season❤

[@HamdallatAsalam]

This is exactly what I needed to see truly understanding what marriage is before I get myself into it looking forward to the rest ❤

[@UKAZI_Biblical_Womanhood]

Thank you so much Mrs Ike. I was just pondering on so many things that I only learnt when I started to journey with God. From understanding the importance of preserving myself, striving for a meek and gentle spirit which is deemed precious before the sight of God. And in all this, my outcry was who was supposed to teach me all these things growing up. We have seen such a deterioration of society that such knowledge and wisdom is not being passed on from generation to generation. I have such a lament for the upcoming generations. Hence, we appreciate such teachings because unless we walk in understanding, we will never fully embrace every area of life we embark on. May God continue to grow you in wisdom. Humbling to see fellow South Africans in the chat🇿🇦🙌🏻❤️

[@levineakampa9432]

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.

[@joycenjoroge7230]

We thank God 🙏 for stephanie.This is the message I was looking for days before.😊

[@atuhurirakomuhwezi2991]

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

[@oyindamolaademolaa]

This is so relevant! Super excited for Part 2!

[@givethemasafespace]

The waiting is over for me now ready to hear the word praise the Lord 🎉🎉🙏✝️

[@DiamondAlicia_]

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

[@latoniajackson1824]

Thank you, sister in Christ! I needed this lesson on what marriage really is before I married my ex in 2006. We separated in 2019. Then, officially divorced in 2022.

[@bridgetkayamba4760]

I just love you Pastor Stephanie. Eveeeeeeeeer sound and passionate about the Lord and his word. You have greatly helped me in my walk with the God. Love you so much and thank you for your obedience to walk in your calling upon your life. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@teelaws2001]

Thank you Ma. We are waiting for Part 2. So timely. Thank you so much Ma

[@divinefavourokafor9917]

I'm excited about this series. God bless you, Ma'am.

[@charlinecharlostin3188]

I am too excited for this series

[@user-pq4jb2ew3f]

God led me here. Thank you, Stephanie.

[@Raven.Sunflower]

This was beautifully done! Marriage is a covenant designed by God! 🕊️🙏🏾♥️

[@cynthiaokafor8100]

I can’t wait for Part 2. Thank you pastor Stephanie. God bless you. ❤❤

[@blessingekanem6474]

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.

[@ntembemwanawasa3787]

What a timely series thank you so much Lord for giving Pastor Stephanie this message! God had me in mind, I’m blown away by how timely this is for me! ❤️

[@ShawnaRaeParker]

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

[@patiencemtisi9061]

I enjoyed part 1, powerful! Looking forward to part 2, right through to part 7. Thank you Pastor Stephanie.

[@nakamatte.brenda.blessed]

Awwwww, can't wait for yet another series 🤲🤲🤲🙏🙏 this is for me 🤲🤲🙏🙏🙏

[@SoaringEagle657]

This series is an answered prayer for me. Praise God for His constant love and faithfulness, for answering quickly when we call, for giving us clarity when we seek it from Him.

[@kassycooper9920]

Amen ❤

[@Som.blessing]

Yes I love Ap. James kawalya's sermons

[@LearnwithMsC]

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

[@mutalengaba3845]

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

[@mariamjlopez8402]

I am here all for this I know. My husband and I are meant to be in this ministry to help marriages but we need to learn all these things as well. Thank you I can't wait for part 2 I'm so stoked 🙌 yes God

[@CeciliaMaselino]

Thank you pastor Stephanie...am learning, can't wait for part two🙏

[@onelove592]

I desire marriage but the truth is I didn’t know that a teaching about marriage is what i needed! Thought I heard it all before but this is different! This is God! Am single with two kids never married just with someone and my desire is to do this right! And here comes Stephanie with a timely teaching! Thank you Jesus! 🙏🏿….. 7 sessions and this is the first! Common God yesss ❤️…. Also God bless you and your family Stephanie ! Xx