First, you can believe for everything the Word of God promises you or provides for you. But you can't have faith for something beyond that. Why not? Because "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Faith is based on what God's Word says, and you cannot believe beyond your knowledge of God's Word. If you try to do this, you will get in trouble.

For example, one time a man saw a beautiful woman singing in the church choir. Because "you can have what you say" and "whatever you desire, pray and believe you receive," he was determined to pray and believe that she was going to become his wife.

However, the Bible does not say, "I promise John that he can have Mary for a wife." Mary may not want to be his wife—and John may be just as well off without her!

No, faith must be based on God's Word. As we have seen, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word. The Word also says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord" (Prov. 18:22).

"Whoso findeth a wife" implies that you have a part to play. You must be open to the Lord's direction, and you must realize that you cannot go against another person's free will.

The Lord will lead and guide you. You have a right to claim His guidance because He has promised to guide you. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Rom. 8:14). God will guide you. But remember that He leads you one step at a time.