There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:-Ecclesiastes 3:1
Singleness. The gift
no one wants. The season no one wants to be granted, and the place that feels
like you've discovered a deeper level of alone.
This must be a
mistake. He did say, “It is not good for man to be alone,” right? So, why
hasn't He fixed this problem? Why does He let this error persist when there’s
someone here ready and willing to solve it?
Is it possible that
there’s been no mistake made? Is it possible that there’s intent behind your single
status? Yes.
Instead of constantly
trying to get out, maybe we should consider why we’re in. Instead of loathing maybe we should be
celebrating. Instead of frantically questioning maybe we should peacefully be
trusting.
What is the proper
response to singleness? Here are a few thoughts.
I would argue that
signing up for e Harmony or church hopping to find the one with the most
available young people isn't the answer. I’m all for dating and getting
yourself around other singles, but I have to believe there’s more intent behind
this season than teaching you the right places to find a date.
Instead of
preoccupation with finding the man or woman you want to marry, use this season
to become the man or woman that God wants you to be. We’re very quick to find fault in God and
others, but rarely willing to consider how we might need to grow. A humble
heart will see singleness as a time to draw near to the Lord and reflect on how
you need to change to become more like Him. As you follow Jesus and ask Him to
transform your heart, you are going to begin to attract the right kind of man
or woman.
God is in the business
of protecting His children and leading us into the place of greatest joy. This
means He knows what you need and when you need it. There is intent, purpose,
and a reason behind this period in your life.
Sin
Maybe there’s sin that
needs to be dealt with and He’s preventing you from inviting someone else into
your mess. Two sinners don’t fix each other’s problems. God uses marriage and
relationships for our sanctification, but He also uses singleness to spare us
pain, consequence and to keep us from pulling others down. This is
cause for gratitude and gratefulness, not anger and bitterness. He’s protecting
all His children because He loves them.
Serve
God may need you to
serve in such a way right now, where all your energy, time and attention need
to be devoted to what He’s calling you into. One of my high school youth
leaders didn't get married until he was 32. While he was single he gave
countless hours serving our youth group for eight years. Many of the leaders
that I do college ministry with today we’re impacted by his dedication that
would not have been possible if he were married and starting a family. God
allows singleness because this life is not about you but about His Kingdom and
His purposes being accomplished. This is cause for thankfulness and
joy, that our Father would invite us into His work and want us to be a part of
what He’s doing.
Slow
Perhaps God just wants
you to wait patiently and trust Him.
Many of us say we want
Jesus to be King, but if we’re honest, it’s only true as long as he runs things
the way we would do it. The
second he veers from our plan we fight to take the reins back.
God knows more than
you do. His plan is perfect, His timing without flaw. The ultimate question is
do you desire God’s will over your own? Will you trust Him? This season
might be the time to slow down, stop resisting and be thankful that God is
making you into the man or the woman that He needs you to be for His purposes
and for His glory.
Here are some
questions to ask yourself in seasons of singleness?
1) Am I looking to get
out before looking to understand why God might have me here and what he wants
me to learn?
2) Are all my thoughts
toward singleness bitter and resentful? What are the blessings and
opportunities I am afforded during this season?
3) Do I truly believe
that I have worth and value as an individual created in the image of God?
4) Am I using my extra
time to contribute to the Kingdom or to question God and complain?
5) Am I banking on a
relationship to fix the sin issues in my life, or am I desiring the Holy Spirit
to help sanctify me now?
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Yes,i am single,but for a reason.
Cheers.