With the rise of globalization and improved transport, long distance relationships have become somewhat a part of society today.
I live in the Philippines, and in my country there is a growing population of overseas contract workers who leave their wives, children and household to work abroad and earn bigger incomes elsewhere. This is becoming more real by the day, even in our congregation. As a result, I have husbands, wives and children coming to me asking whether their loved ones made the right decision to move so far away to find a career elsewhere.
While this may not be a reality where you are, I'm sure that you have experienced a long-distance relationship or know someone who has had a long-distance relationship at some point. Be it a romantic relationship, a relationship between a parent and a child (like sending kids abroad for school) or even between friends.
Can such relationships work in the context of a Christian relationship? Romans 8:28 has told us that God makes "all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." I would like to believe that that includes relationships.
While there is no cookie-cutter answer to such a question, I would like to leave three considerations that can help you evaluate whether your relationship should remain long-distance.
Calling
The first question that couples and families must ask is, "Is God really calling us to be in different places?" Many people in relationships are forced to part geographically to fulfill a financial need or a desire for a greater career. While this is important, relationships are as important, but relationships work only in the context of God's will and purposes.
Context
While some people do well in long distance relationships, others do not. I admit that I am terrible at long distance relationships and have decided that it will never be a future for me and my wife (I can't even bear one day without seeing her and holding her hand).
But that's not to say that others do not have the personality, set of needs, perseverance or character to sustain long periods away from loved ones. What matters most next to God's will is what works for you.
Season
Many people in long distance relationships will agree that the distance will only be for a season. I believe that no one is called to be away from their loved ones forever if God has really called us to be together. Take the biblical example of Joseph and his family. Though God meant for Joseph to be taken away from his father and siblings, God still made a way for them to be together in the end.
Are you in a long distance relationship? Can you honor God most with that relationship?
