Well, today I would like to reflect upon the season of singleness. This is a subject that I think about and reflect on quite often and yet find myself incredibly shy when it comes to sharing my thoughts about it with the world...in this particular case, world = Facebook/blogger.
The older I get the more I realize the importance of sharing my experiences and the God given revelations that have transformed my life. You see, even if we haven't experienced anything major in the relationship department, we all have something to offer and insight that may be instrumental to someone else.
That being said, here are some of the things I have been pondering lately...
Have you ever felt as though your time may never come? Like, who could possibly love and understand this nerdy, quirky, Star Wars fan, accent impersonator, on fire for God kind of girl? Or guys, maybe you question whether or not a girl could really accept all of you...not just your looks, but your entire being. Someone who would challenge you to become all that you can be without judging who you are at present. In other words, a girl not marrying the potential you, but who you are today.
These doubts often times interfere with our ability to remain content in a season of singleness. Although I have had my share of pitty-party moments with a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream in hand, I have discovered that joy and contentment is possible even when there isn't someone on your arm telling you your worth and value. I have learned that the only source that can truly satisfy is not someone called [insert guy name] or in a guy's case [insert girl name]. This source of peace, nourishment, constant power supply is in God alone.
This season of singleness is not God's way of depriving you of great things....but rather it is a blessing--a gift to you. It is a time where you can grow and understand total dependency on your Father. In fact, Psalm 84:11 says, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." God is preserving you for something wonderful...something above average.
Instead of waiting for someone to "put a ring on it" or drowning in a complete mental state because you haven't found the one, you can experience life to the fullest NOW. No waiting for someone to fill this so called gap in your life. Your life starts now...."today is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24). He has an incredibly distinct purpose for your existence TODAY.
As I was searching YouTube for cute animal videos (yes, I am a huge animal lover), I shifted gears and started looking up sermons on this very topic. I finally came across a sermon by Rev. Wendy Tufuor and was so encouraged by the words she presented to the congregation. This is applicable to both females and males...so men don't retreat! This is for you too. She outlined five things that we need to do in this season of singleness...
1. Pray - Pray for your spouse and understand that God will give you peace as you present your requests to Him.
2. Prepare - Right now is the time to become all that you can be for your future spouse and most importantly, for your Father in heaven.
3. Practice - In the mundane, practice how you would like to be....what kind of friend, girlfriend/boyfriend, spouse do you want to be? Prepare now.
4. Exercise Patience - Even though it is incredibly difficult, understand that God has something incredible in store for you. DON'T SETTLE! You are valuable and worthy of a supernatural, God orchestrated relationship.
5. Praise - Your worship is a WEAPON! Understand that when you praise, you are fighting against the enemy's schemes. When tempted to doubt God's plan for your life...when in total distress, turn your worries and frustrations into songs of praise.
Things to avoid:
1. Pressure - Don't let others convince you that something is wrong with your life because you are single. There is no reason for you to feel behind...you are merely holding out for the very best.
2. Helping God - Even when tempted, let God take control of your love life. Let things fall into place naturally instead of you forcing something that in your mind is absolute perfection.
You can watch the video (all 4 parts) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li2jET1P6pU
As I reflect upon these points, I was reminded of an analogy that I often use to help me visualize this season and the importance of living to the fullest.
Imagine two glasses of water...one represents you and the other represents your future spouse.
As of right now, the glasses are in separate locations and are only half full. Each glass is in the process of filling up but they still need time to achieve "to the brim" status.
In the same way, we have a responsibility to become "full" in this time of singleness. Whether you and your future spouse's paths have crossed, your job is to grow in the Lord, fill in the gaps in your life with the incredible love and satisfaction that only a relationship with God can offer. Become full in the Lord so that your "cup is full."
When these two glasses collide (you and your future spouse) and each glass is full, the joy and happiness that this new and exciting relationship brings will cause each glass to OVERFLOW! They are already full before the collision, but once they officially meet they will be overflowing! As this extra water from both glasses spills out, mixes, and accumulates on the "counter-top", the two are becoming one. It is not a matter of one glass pouring more into the other....both are already full. It is through the overflow that they meet and experience the joy of combining with one another.
So I leave you with this...
Take heart! Have faith and believe that God's plan for your life is beyond anything you could ever dream up on your own.
Let Him turn your worries and anxieties into great excitement and anticipation for what lays ahead.
Give God the pen and let him write your love story...it is going to be amazing.
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