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

[@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❤

[@MichaelKevin-l6y]

Cool video, My relationship of 5 years ended a month ago. The love of my life decided to leave me, I really love her so much I can’t stop thinking about her, I’ve tried my very best to get her back in my life, but to no avail, I’m frustrated, I don’t see my life with anyone else. I’ve done my best to get rid of the thoughts of her, but I can’t, I don’t know why I’m saying this here, I really miss her and just can’t stop thinking about her.

[@DorothyAngers]

its difficult to let go of someone you love, i was in a similar situation, my relationship of 12 years ended, but i couldnt just let him go i did all i could to get him back, i had to seek the help of a spiritual counselor who helped me bring him back

[@MichaelKevin-l6y]

Amazing, how did you get a spiritual counselor, and how do i reach him/her?

[@DorothyAngers]

Her name is Shelly renee white , and she is a great spiritual counselor who can bring back your ex.

[@MichaelKevin-l6y]

Thank you for this valuable information, i just looked her up now online. impressive

[@TheAnitakhloe]

May God bring her back to you.

[@OlwethuQhinga]

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

[@stephiekashosi866]

Indeed 🤗🙌

[@RiseUpTheKingdomOfGod]

Amen

[@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☺

[@ForYour-Glory]

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! ❤

[@katliness796]

❤🎉 Congratulations,may God lead ur way

[@divinefavourokafor9917]

Congratulations ❤

[@imonicahmaina6844]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@UcheExeamaka]

Congratulations

[@nosimilovilakati2863]

The number of Africans here🎉

[@selachulu8398]

Right!!! 😂we love each other that way

[@holyspaces]

Right!!!

[@tenacious1]

Does Afro-American count? Lol

[@alicesontambeachareenoncho2709]

@@tenacious1definitely❤

[@achatwithgoitse]

🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼❤

[@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

[@HBrifo]

Congratulations!!!

[@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! 💖

[@SharongudaRN-BsN]

Congratulations 🎉

[@Fiona_virtualassistant]

Single people where are you at?

[@kamogelomithi5738]

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

[@mercymfune766]

We are here

[@nomaswazigloriadlamini9064]

❤

[@Idkjustyet]

😭😂

[@wadzanaim]

I’m right here!

[@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 💕

[@theofficialleka]

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??

[@chantellea9938]

"We've been keeping God as our glue". I love that. Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

[@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.

[@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 🎉

[@letsunfoldwithLefatshe]

Marriage is a God ordained institution…I love that 💯

[@munyivs]

Every single person ,married, single even those who aren't planning to get married needs to learn this wisdom

[@fadzo123]

22, single , still in college and open to learn about marriage 😊

[@yoniemfengwana9042]

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

[@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

[@zinhlezandilemahlangu1941]

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

[@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!

[@victoriaakwamaayeboah5977]

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

[@nardiamuir4151]

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

[@Romel5427]

Me too, Miss. JA.

[@BeautyTalksBible]

🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

[@LumataVen]

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

[@samanthagchere]

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

[@selachulu8398]

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

[@LeboLizMolaba]

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

[@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 🙏

[@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. 🙏🏻💕

[@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]

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❤.

[@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😊

[@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! 🎉🎉

[@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.

[@preciousmbele584]

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

[@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.

[@givethemasafespace]

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

[@AnokMayom]

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

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@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

[@qb0616]

This series really was an I opener! My husband and I are really at a rough spot right. I will apply these Godly principles and hope for the best!

[@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

[@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]

🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@lashonecaldwell5005]

Marriage is God’s idea..we must do it His way! Amen!

[@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 ❤

[@sharriettefinley467]

Thank you! This is such a good and blessed Word. As Minister Stephanie was teaching, I thought about the various reasons I've heard people give for living together, for reasoning out fornication, delaying a wedding ceremony, etc. The bottom line is that if two people are about getting married God's way, in Christ Jesus, then they can literally go to the courthouse, get married before a judge, and save for a big ceremony later. Also, I got such clarity about what is meant by dealing treacherously. Now I more deeply understand why many relationships I've observed in my life are not as blessed as they could or should be, Observing these relationships throughout my life had caused me to question marriage all-together. In fact, marriage is something that scared me. The truth is, viewing marriage as a Godly covenant, as it should be, and the husband and the wife operating with that foundational belief, there is no need to fear. Praising God for sharing this guidance through Minister Stephanie!!🦋💝

[@rosedannajoseph196]

Oh wow I am single and praying for a God fearing husband and I always thought wedding was a event thanks for this teaching it really helping me to understand ❤❤❤❤

[@steffeijoma2193]

I’m Nigerian, I love you and I’m blessed to have received this teaching.

[@olebogengmoagi4212]

Tuning in from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@Prophetoffaith]

Rekawufela😂😂

[@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

[@khosipenelope5731]

“People should not be your standard”❤

[@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.

[@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 🙏🙏

[@openlyanonymous]

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

[@kirabowinnie]

Woman of God u bless us. From Uganda 🇺🇬

[@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🙏🏾

[@LizzyBizzy9]

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!

[@adelaidemarufu]

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

[@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 😂😂😂

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@RiseUpTheKingdomOfGod]

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!💞

[@koketsomanamela9712]

South African 🇿🇦 ❤

[@Raven.Tulips]

This was beautifully done! Marriage is a covenant designed by 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.

[@nsozicmanite3444]

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

[@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.

[@edinahowembabazi8652]

Am grateful to God for this video i believe it's my time to get married this year and am believing God for my husband this year in Jesus's name i have prayed amen and believe Amen

[@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🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@givethemasafespace]

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

[@jabulilexulu278]

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

[@nabulimeflavia489]

Marriage is God's idea and we have to do it His way❤ not our way. Thank You Holy Spirit for this series. It's His holy institution. Wow❤ Thank you pastor 34:12

[@iveyinniss]

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

[@guns_and_glamour]

Stephanie, please please consider do a series on parenthood, the desire (or lack of) to wanting to have a family and maybe even fertility issues?!!

[@vevangouuakaihiva9452]

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

[@kendrac8885]

I see you sis and I am praying!

[@cassaundraclark7462]

Praying for you from Florida sis! ❤

[@sportsmasterclasswithtumi]

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

[@beatricesimoes]

Singleness season for a reason. Can’t wait to learn more from this series ❤

[@peacelight7858]

Wow thank you for your clarification it’s clear thank you for breaking down what is marriage how the husband and wife should act in Gods standard

[@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.

[@Mrs.Pinero_]

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 ☺️

[@mercywairimu7384]

I thank God I found this now❤❤❤❤thank you Jesus

[@TheAnitakhloe]

Am facing some challenges in my marriage. But I am not letting the devil take away what God blessed me with. May God bless us with what our hearts desires in our marriage

[@atuhurirakomuhwezi2991]

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

[@dreambig911]

I bet Stephanie's marriage vows were 🔥🔥🔥

[@wambuikimangara]

It’s a covenant! Not let’s see how it goes👏👏 and a covenant has conditional and unconditional principles 🙏🙏🙏 Can’t wait for part 2

[@celebrando_a_vida]

I've been separated for 2 years, and every time I hear these messages I get emotional, I've been praying and believing that God has good plans for me

[@victoriaaniedo6437]

Oh I just heard baby’s giggles 😂😍

[@Idkjustyet]

😂💕

[@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 .

[@victoriacloud135]

John 7:24 AMP Do not judge by appearance [superficially and arrogantly], but judge fairly and righteously.”

[@kopanochristopher5357]

I found it so informative and helpful. We thank God for the wonderful message. Thank you Ps. Stephanie Ike

[@XtraOrdinaire134]

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

[@hannahi9355]

Stephanie is so wise. I needed this.

[@shirleyebuka]

Wow!! Who would have thought!!!!! Ahhhh!! Love it for ussssss. Mama di mama! We are here ma. Whooshhhhh. Let’s have it!!💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

[@nurse_emerie546]

Lots of love from Nigeria 🇳🇬 …. I am in my waiting season, God bless me with the best spouse that suits my purpose

[@helenegwu5021]

Thank God, it's my season❤

[@asha4189]

I love your passion and conviction about this topic! Thank you for pouring this wisdom into all of us ladies interested in learning about the marriage covenant 💗

[@nabulimeflavia489]

Whenever there is an order of God, there is His blessing.❤

[@christam9750]

Yes Pastor Steph, we need more series from you❤ love to see it! Excited for your book as well! Hope you can do a series on dreams!

[@angelakafwanka5115]

I desire to get married , so this has come at the right time

[@Silvia_Peter]

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