Men, getting ready to date - and marry - a godly woman requires a biblical, practical plan.

Most Christian guys want to marry a godly woman someday. If you're reading this, you're probably one of them.

You dream about what it would be like to live life with a woman who shares your commitment to Christ. Someone you can encourage to pursue him. Someone who will challenge you to do the same. 

You think about what it would be like to serve your neighbors and a world in need. To enjoy hobbies and common interests together. To raise a family that honors God. And - let's be honest - be physically intimate with. 

All of these are good, legitimate desires that honor God when they're pursued with love for him and others.

A godly wife and great marriage are some of God's greatest gifts this side of heaven. 

As Proverbs puts it, 'An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.' (31:10-11)

Going to church + doing your devotions + wishful thinking = bad idea.

But, too often Christian guys think getting ready for dating and marriage will 'just happen'. That they can just go to church, do their devotions and - somehow - when the time is right, they'll meet 'The One', get married, and live happily ever after. [Dance music plays as champagne sprays, and confetti falls all around you.]

I'm not questioning their motives. Or the value of faithfully attending church or doing devotions. These are all important, even essential, parts of what it means to follow Jesus. 

But they are not (nearly) enough to prepare you for dating or marriage. 

You don't have to start from square one like I did.

I found this out the hard way when I started dating my wife, Sharon. 

In the past, we had a great friendship. We were able to talk for hours about everything. We had an amazing chemistry. We both loved the Lord and serving others.

It was all so easy, so I figured that would just continue after we started dating. I mean, why wouldn't it?

But I was wrong. I was unprepared, and I hadn't even known it. 

It took me (and my wife) 3 really challenging years of marriage - and lots of biblical counseling - to turn things around. And, with God's amazing grace and patience, we did. 

It's far from perfect, but today people tell us we have a great marriage. And we have the privilege of providing premarital and marriage counseling and coaching to lots of young couples. Couples that continue to thrive well after their wedding.

But many other couples don't fare so well. In fact, with just a little effort, I thought of over 30 other Christian marriages I know personally that didn't make it. 

I don't want that for you! I want to give you a huge head start by sharing what God has taught me. (Often the hard way.) And, what has worked well for guys I've had the privilege of mentoring in 20 years of ministry.

The bottom line: you're probably far less prepared for dating, and a godly, healthy marriage, than you think. That's where How To Prepare For Marriage comes in.