While praying the other day, the Lord brought to my remembrance something that a single friend had posted on Facebook a few years ago. The remark was something like “I never thought I would be alone at this stage in my life”.
Lets face it, some people are single because they want to be. They just like it. They like the freedom of it. They like everything in their life and space to be just the way they want it. That’s Okay. A person who remains single can dedicate themselves fully to the path that the Lord wants for them to walk. Paul the Apostle said by permission from the Holy Spirit :
1Co 7:6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
Not everyone who finds themselves single wants to stay that way though. For many, there is a longing to be in a relationship. A strong desire to be half of a whole. Committed and fulfilled. Loving and being loved. The reasons people find themselves single vary and only they and God know all of the reasons why. Some may have started off in a relationship or a marriage and through tragedy or treachery, they find themselves forced into being alone. Some may even feel like time is not on their side and that there is a race against the clock to try to find the right one. I read and hear comments from some, and they wonder “Why haven’t I found someone yet?” I want to take a minute today and just encourage you and to remind you of things you probably already know but may have lost sight of.
- Stop thinking about what you might be missing. The truth is that the only thing you’re missing is the pain and torment of being in the wrong relationship.
Trust God that you are not missing anything good and that all that is good about being in a relationship with the right person is being laid up in store for you. You’re not missing out. All of the good that you thought you were missing out on is just being deferred until later. - Are you ready for it? Are you ready for them? Can a new person come into your life and stand on their own merits without being overshadowed by your past? Maybe you haven’t been ready for a relationship. Maybe you would actually be someone else’s torment. Work on what you have control over. You. Become the best you that you can be. Become the prize catch. Trust God to work on the stuff you can’t control. He knows exactly what makes you happy and He wants you to be happy.
- What are you seeking? Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 (BBE) “But let your first care be for his kingdom and his righteousness; and all these other things will be given to you in addition.” In this passage Jesus was talking specifically about physical needs, house, food & clothing but we see a bigger picture emerging. He said in verse 31 “Then don’t be full of care…” Then in verse 32 “Your Heavenly Father knows what you need”. God cares about you, He has made provision to meet EVERY need that you have and the one thing he doesn’t want you doing is being FULL OF CARE (worried). Trust that Your Heavenly Father knows what you have need of.
Ask God to help you. Ask Him go grow you (both) up fast – to bring you (both) quickly to the place where you’re ready, and then bring you together.
Ask Him to deal with you bluntly, and then commit yourself to hear….and to DO what you know to do.
Focus on you. What do you bring to the table. Don’t focus on them. Stop looking at “What a real man/woman would do” and instead focus on you. You are all you will ever be able to control. Focus on you.
Remember to keep God first. There can only be one 1st place in your life. Seek His kingdom first! Then the other stuff will be added unto you.
