Called to Singleness

[Renewed1]

Great discussion ladies!

I strongly believe like most things in life; something on the inside, will make sense whether you should be single or not. I know I was meant to be married.

 

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

I must have been called to singleness and just haven't gotten the message yet.

 

[sidney]

I agree with what most of the ladies have shared here. As someone else mentioned, God does know the plans for each of us. Did you catch that? THERE IS A PLAN already written for each one of us. It is already written. These plans, he says, are meant to prosper for you. So if you want the plan that will best prosper you, SEEK GOD and wait to hear from him. Get in on the plan! Do not make hasty decisions. It's so much easier to choose to be single, because you feel you have control over your happiness. But we should seek God about everything.

Nicola, you have so much peace when you are focused on God and doing his will, because that is what you should be doing. Single should not be this big obstacle before your mate shows up, and if it is for anyone here, you're not doing it right. God wants us to seek him the way some of us are seeking your mates. I'm not saying we should just 'sit and wait' because that's just not wise, but your heart, your energy, and emotions should be directed toward Christ and Him alone. God will ADD your desires to you when you seek him first. The adding is the easy part.

I am confident that anyone can go out there and get a man. But there is much to be said about doing things in God's time and God's way. Sure, people are doing things their own way, beut when you submit your will to God, he will take you up on it! By faith, trust that this process is for a reason. If you truly feel that you are not called, than go with that. But make sure it is because that is God's plan, and not your own. Because God know's who you will be 30 years from now, and maybe that person will desire a mate and children. Don't trust every decision you make in your youth. HTH

 

[Laela]

Bunny,

I'm glad you mentioned "Waiting on the Lord" like that. Waiting on the Lord doesn't mean that one has to sit still and do nothing, dry up and turn into an old maid, or even waste time. It simply means "to serve".. much like a waiter waits on you in a restaurant. They do what they're tasked to do and do it well (being a good steward), they get a reward for serving, i.e. tip, a hearty gesture of appreciation, etc. That's the best way I can explain it. It's what Matthew 6:33 is all about:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I really don't find anything wrong with an online Christian dating site... it's an act of faith to position oneself to look for a mate, in addition to serving God. But I do believe He can use that medium as well to position someone to meet that person. This is no different from what Naomi did with Ruth, just different times.

It's unfortunate there are ministries telling single women they don't have a chance of getting married, and those that look at statistics and male/female ratios etc. What's going on in the world has absolutely nothing to do with God's plans for His Children, because He is a God of promises who will always keep up his end of the Covenant.

This is awesome! And like you, I've tried to be more careful to discern what people mean when they say that they're "waiting on God" or that one should "be ready" for marriage and that might be why they're currently single (if they desire marriage, of course). It's not always a bad thing... but again, we do need to discuss this more to see where exactly people are coming from when they make these statements.

Your example of online dating was a great one. I know so many people who will not consider this because they believe that they are "not waiting on the Lord" if they pursue this option. Or I've seen people watch a YouTube sermon, hear a pastor, etc., speak against online dating, and then this person suddenly deletes her profile.

Now... if as you said, you did not have that sense of peace in your spirit when you pursued the online option, then I agree, you should not do it. But to look at it as an option not fit for a Christian woman only because someone else told you this? Or made it seem that you were questioning God and showing a lack of faith because you pursued that option? Not cool.

I think God was telling me for years to "DO SOMETHING." When I felt anxiety and a lack of peace, it was because I listened to others who told me that I needed to "wait," or accept that I might not be "called to be married." THIS is my concern...and I think you put it very eloquently that we have to listen to what God is telling us personally about marriage and singleness and then act accordingly.

 

[aribell]

I agree with what most of the ladies have shared here. As someone else mentioned, God does know the plans for each of us. Did you catch that? THERE IS A PLAN already written for each one of us. It is already written. These plans, he says, are meant to prosper for you. So if you want the plan that will best prosper you, SEEK GOD and wait to hear from him. Get in on the plan! Do not make hasty decisions. It's so much easier to choose to be single, because you feel you have control over your happiness. But we should seek God about everything.

Nicola, you have so much peace when you are focused on God and doing his will, because that is what you should be doing. Single should not be this big obstacle before your mate shows up, and if it is for anyone here, you're not doing it right. God wants us to seek him the way some of us are seeking your mates. I'm not saying we should just 'sit and wait' because that's just not wise, but your heart, your energy, and emotions should be directed toward Christ and Him alone. God will ADD your desires to you when you seek him first. The adding is the easy part.

I am confident that anyone can go out there and get a man. But there is much to be said about doing things in God's time and God's way. Sure, people are doing things their own way, beut when you submit your will to God, he will take you up on it! By faith, trust that this process is for a reason. If you truly feel that you are not called, than go with that. But make sure it is because that is God's plan, and not your own. Because God know's who you will be 30 years from now, and maybe that person will desire a mate and children. Don't trust every decision you make in your youth. HTH

Good points, and I agree. I think that sometimes we want to know God's overarching plan when He doesn't give us an overarching plan, He gives us today. Our job is to discern what we are to do today. Some women lose peace regarding their singleness because they are worried that God's overarching plan will ultimately not include a spouse. But the question should be, "Lord, what would you have me do today?" For some women, and actually probably a lot, their task with respect to singleness is going to be to take intentional steps forward in pursuit of marriage--be it through online dating, asking to be set up, continually praying for a husband, mingling more, etc. If women believe that it's more "spiritual" to do nothing in pursuit of marriage, then they are not going to be doing what they should be to catch their marriage train and are getting discouraged by others on the way.

So, I think that while everyone should be focusing on the Lord, that won't mean that no one should be intentional or purposeful about seeking a mate. And that seems to be the complaint--that the "gift of singleness" has been so overplayed that people whom God has called to pursue marriage are waiting for their spouse to fall from the sky and calling their period of waiting "the gift of singleness."

As I understand it, being called to singleness is not about being content in the Lord, but rather purposely not pursuing marriage (in thought, prayer, or action) specifically for the sake of Kingdom work. I remember doing online dating for a minute, and it wasn't a bad experience at all, but there was a consistent feeling of it just not being the right thing for me to do and yes, a lack of peace. Other dating experiences were similar. Again, I think that God's call is always for the present and that no one can say but Him what tomorrow will be or what He will say tomorrow. I could be giving a marriage testimony in six months. But I do think it is important to be able to recognize when the Lord is bringing you into a different season, when He might be calling you to do something different.

 

[Guitarhero]

Obviously, one should not look to man to be your ultimate fulfillment, but why shouldn't one look for marriage to improve one's life?
.

Yes! My most recent girl chat about this was to never marry down, only marry upwards. He's got to have it better than yourself. I believe that. Marriage should be about partnership and it can be. But a man has to be about giving something to create something better. He won't be a savior, but he sure can be a chivalrous knight.

 

[discobiscuits]

no. i don't believe anyone is called to singleness especially in light of the scriptures thrown up in this forum all the time about it not being good for man (humans male or female) to be alone. not even the apostle paul was called to be single, he chose it.

 

[Rapunzel*]

Bunny,

I'm glad you mentioned "Waiting on the Lord" like that. Waiting on the Lord doesn't mean that one has to sit still and do nothing, dry up and turn into an old maid, or even waste time. It simply means "to serve".. much like a waiter waits on you in a restaurant. They do what they're tasked to do and do it well (being a good steward), they get a reward for serving, i.e. tip, a hearty gesture of appreciation, etc. That's the best way I can explain it. It's what Matthew 6:33 is all about:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I really don't find anything wrong with an online Christian dating site... it's an act of faith to position oneself to look for a mate, in addition to serving God. But I do believe He can use that medium as well to position someone to meet that person. This is no different from what Naomi did with Ruth, just different times.

It's unfortunate there are ministries telling single women they don't have a chance of getting married, and those that look at statistics and male/female ratios etc. What's going on in the world has absolutely nothing to do with God's plans for His Children, because He is a God of promises who will always keep up his end of the Covenant.

also many women stop waiting on God, and start waiting for God, as if they were waiting for a bus. people start to get impatient and start demanding things. If one isnt content with being single, they wont be content while married....


the bible says he who findeth a wife, finds a good thing. Once you come to christ you are a good thing, you can be a single parent, virgin or a non virgin your still a good thing.

 

[PinkPebbles]

I agree with what most of the ladies have shared here. As someone else mentioned, God does know the plans for each of us. Did you catch that? THERE IS A PLAN already written for each one of us. It is already written. These plans, he says, are meant to prosper for you. So if you want the plan that will best prosper you, SEEK GOD and wait to hear from him. Get in on the plan! Do not make hasty decisions. It's so much easier to choose to be single, because you feel you have control over your happiness. But we should seek God about everything.

Nicola, you have so much peace when you are focused on God and doing his will, because that is what you should be doing. Single should not be this big obstacle before your mate shows up, and if it is for anyone here, you're not doing it right. God wants us to seek him the way some of us are seeking your mates. I'm not saying we should just 'sit and wait' because that's just not wise, but your heart, your energy, and emotions should be directed toward Christ and Him alone. God will ADD your desires to you when you seek him first. The adding is the easy part.

I am confident that anyone can go out there and get a man. But there is much to be said about doing things in God's time and God's way. Sure, people are doing things their own way, beut when you submit your will to God, he will take you up on it! By faith, trust that this process is for a reason. If you truly feel that you are not called, than go with that. But make sure it is because that is God's plan, and not your own. Because God know's who you will be 30 years from now, and maybe that person will desire a mate and children. Don't trust every decision you make in your youth. HTH

Sidney- thank you for saying this in the bolded!

Yes, anyone can go out there and get a man, but as Christian women we shouldn't just want any man. That's why I believe that we should pray that our husbands are 'saved', have godly character traits, and that the Lord will order our steps. As well as position us to be found by the man that is most suitable for God's purpose and plan for our lives.

In God's perfect timing it will happen. I personally know people who have prayed, believed and now are happily married. And yes, they gave God all the credit!

Because I want Christ to be the head in my marriage then it's imperative that I consult with the Lord...As the word clearly states - Ask and you will receive.

As always, thanks for sharing!

 

[weaveologist]

How do they know? I don't like when people make absolute statements like this because it makes women feel like they need some perfect mindset to be worthy of a mate. Why would I want to get married if I didn't think doing so would improve my life?

I strongly believe that timing is the most important factor for all of God's purposes for us. He alone knows what readiness means for each of us.

I know plenty of Christian women who got married in their early 20s who dreamed of having a husband and kids and got what they wanted - there were no emotional or spiritual hoops to jump through. The timing was right for them (in most cases).. we're all individuals and God has unique purposes/plans for each of our lives.

He wasn't just talking to WOMEN. He was talking to BOTH SEXES. He referened a particular person in the bible who lived his entire life without a mate. I have to find the ministry. But the sum of it was if you approach marriage and a mate as if your life is empty without it, then God will not send you a mate. Which is something I understood because for YEARS my focus was "I want to get married". Just recently I changed my focus to "I want to become the woman that God wants me to be, so that when/if my mate comes, I AM READY. I want to be happy and feel loved, with OR without a mate; whatever God has in store for my life". Totally different approach and my emotional life is so much better because of it.

I guess I would need to hear the context in which your last sentence was stated.

Obviously, one should not look to man to be your ultimate fulfillment, but why shouldn't one look for marriage to improve one's life? This is not to say that one's life is lacking if he or she is single, but I'm not marrying to make my life worse... being a wife and mother would be wonderful additions to my life and marriage IS a ministry.

I also don't really believe in the idea of God sending people mates either. God is not some kind of cupid who will drop a man/woman in your lap if you do/act like XYZ... I find it interesting that many Christians pick up what I consider to be very Hollywood-ish ideas about courting and marriage and promote these as Christian ministry. That bothers me.

This pastor was referencing people who though a mate would be ULTIMATE fulfillment.

 

[makeupgirl]

I can honestly say that I'm not called to singleness for a lifetime but maybe for a season. I am from my point of view ready to settle down but my views is not God's views. It's just not my time right now and I respect that because I want what God has for me and I want a long lasting marriage. I said when I was little, I want to be married one time and it will be forever. I didn't know that it was biblically correct to think this way. I didn't know that this was apart of God's plan when I was little. I think that where most people get in trouble is not going to the Lord and expressing how they feel or letting him lead the way. I've seen so many people in my life marry someone only to see them get hurt or they just unequally yoked. They follow their heart, their intuition instead the word of God. He said, do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers and he's right, why would you want to be? I have loved one man in my lifetime but we were unequally yoked. So if I have to be single for a while in order to meet the right one that was ordained before the foundations of this world then so be it. Preparation is always in effect even after the marriage has been made. We are vessals for God, his people, his children so we are always being prepared and season for his purpose and plans for our lives and that includes marriage, which is the representation of Christ and his bride.

 

[Bunny77]

He wasn't just talking to WOMEN. He was talking to BOTH SEXES.

Well see, when you said this in your original post....

I also found ministry that said if you're approach to being single is that a man will improve your life, God will not send you a mate.

...one would assume that the ministry was addressed only to women because the reference was to a MAN improving your life... and I don't think the pastor is promoting homosexual relationships!

Other than that, I agree with the belief that one should not feel that his or her life is worthless without a mate... but I don't believe in the idea of God sending people a mate either.

I believe that potential mates are all around us... we choose one. We need to be walking in God's will and use discernment to select the RIGHT mate (which is where many of us go wrong), but otherwise, I don't believe that a mate is going to be "sent" by God if one follows some particular process.

However, God can open our eyes to the right man/woman who could have been in front of us the whole time, but we weren't mentally or emotionally ready to receive him or her at a certain time.

 

[sidney]

Sidney- thank you for saying this in the bolded!

Yes, anyone can go out there and get a man, but as Christian women we shouldn't just want any man. That's why I believe that we should pray that our husbands are 'saved', have godly character traits, and that the Lord will order our steps. As well as position us to be found by the man that is most suitable for God's purpose and plan for our lives.

In God's perfect timing it will happen. I personally know people who have prayed, believed and now are happily married. And yes, they gave God all the credit!

Because I want Christ to be the head in my marriage then it's imperative that I consult with the Lord...As the word clearly states - Ask and you will receive.

As always, thanks for sharing!

Yes, it's so important to be led by God in everything, including marriage. And do what he tells you to do, because everyone's journey will be different. Like Bunny said, God told her to 'do something.' The bible says in 1 Corinthians 7:39, that single women can marry anyone, "only in the Lord." So as you said, make sure he has Godly character and is truly in the Lord.

 

[HeChangedMyName]

This is me to the tee. There are moments when I'm still not trying to hear it, but He knows what's best and I must follow. I know that it is eventually in my future that I marry, but not anytime soon.

Yes. I am excited about the future, but not pressed about it like i use to be when i was trying to do it without God's help.

 

[Bunny77]

Yes, it's so important to be led by God in everything, including marriage. And do what he tells you to do, because everyone's journey will be different. Like Bunny said, God told her to 'do something.' The bible says in 1 Corinthians 7:39, that single women can marry anyone, "only in the Lord." So as you said, make sure he has Godly character and is truly in the Lord.

I wanted to elaborate more on the "do something" thing in my case as well.

I was of the mindset beforehand that by just going about my business and "waiting," I would meet the one. The problem was, when I would meet someone -- even though I would pray on it and all -- I just automatically thought that he was "the one," and the answer to my prayers.

Every time, he was so far from the proper mate, it was ridiculous!

What I realized though was that I was operating under a "well, let's just see what happens," mindset instead of one where I was truly vetting the man to discern his character. Maybe because I didn't have many (well, very few actually) relationships in my life, I figured that if I was interested enough in someone to want to be with him, then it had to be a good match.

So in my case, "doing something," meant that I needed to take more control of the process with God's guidance by not letting myself just fall into relationships, but by meeting more men and taking more of an active role in the beginning trying to discern their character.

I felt I was working WITH God by doing something, while before, I was on an island... I thought I was "waiting on God," but I was really a ship without a captain, just drifting along. I just don't want women to be that unguided ship thinking that they are doing what God wants.

 

[aribell]

no. i don't believe anyone is called to singleness especially in light of the scriptures thrown up in this forum all the time about it not being good for man (humans male or female) to be alone. not even the apostle paul was called to be single, he chose it.

I'm glad that you mentioned choosing because I think that regardless of the language we are using, we are all choosing the particular way in which we are going to live our our lives before God. Sometimes people get explicit directives from God regarding what they ought to do, but more often than not discerning God's will is about discerning how best we can glorify Him with our lives. And what we end up discerning as God's will should be a reflection of His commandments, the particular gifts that He has placed in us, our personalities, and the particular situation we find ourselves in life.

Paul decided that he could be a better servant if he were without a wife. I don't think that such a choice is not God's call because it was a choice on Paul's part. It seems that the Lord is always calling us to be the best that we can before Him and to discern how best we can love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, strength. If it was actually true for Paul that his life in Christ was richer and more fruitful by remaining single, then I think that it is fair to label that as God's calling.

 

[SND411]

I'm going to be honest:

I think we spend WAY TOO MUCH time discussing relationships/marriage. Sometimes this can distract us from doing good works in the name of God. Being a Christian woman is not ALL about getting married and having children. There's other work to be done, but I feel like some Christian women (and men) become TOO preoccupied in "finding a spouse" when they could be trying to spread the Gospel in a hostile world.

 

[SND411]

In those instances, I totally agree with you. I'm a strong advocate for periods of singleness for time to work on ourselves. I don't believe some people are good for marriage because of their personalites, but that is social learning. I don't think anyone should just into marriage b/c of pressure. People can choose to be single for life, and I totally respect that.

However, we are sexual beings. That's just how God created us. Some can surpress those desires, but many can't. I don't get how God can create us to be sexual beings, yet call some to be single, it contradicts itself. I'm not really speaking on your thread, but pastors who tell women that they won't get married.

With God, anything is possible.

 

[weaveologist]

This is some ministry that I found but is not the original ministry that I was speaking of:

Called to Singlenessby J. BudziszewskiDear Professor Theophilus:

What does it mean to be "called to singleness" for your life? How do you know if you're called to it?

All Christians are called to love God with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves. However, God calls some Christians to serve him in the married state, others to serve him in the state of sexually abstinent singleness.

For most, singleness is a way station on the way to marriage. Some, however, remain single all their lives, either by choice or by circumstance. Considering that God blesses marriage and that our sexual desires make singleness more difficult, why would anyone choose lifelong singleness? There are lots of bad reasons, and some single people should be married instead — but the best reason for remaining single is that the vocation of singleness offers fewer distractions from serving God. When the Lord says "Get up and go to Nineveh," you don't want to find yourself replying "I'll check with my spouse and my real estate agent and get back with you."
If God wants you to be single, He will also provides the spiritual gifts which make it possible. Notice that I didn't say "which make it easy"! Paul remarks that if you are attempting to remain single but find that you cannot bear the burden, it is not a sin to marry. Better to switch to the other way of life God honors than to be aflame with lust.
Your question "How do you know if you're called to singleness?" is a good one, because it is possible to be mistaken about the call. In general, knowing God's will regarding singleness is like knowing His will with regard to anything: it requires persistent prayer and mature reflection. By the way, not many people who are called to singleness are hit by bolts of lightning. For most, God's will for them becomes clear only gradually.
Because I am not called to singleness myself, I asked for help from two Christians I know who are, a man and a woman. The man is in his mid-twenties and working to save money for the last stage of his graduate studies in philosophy. The woman is the full-time youth minister whose reflections on the not-having-children controversy appeared in a previous Ask Theophilus.
He writes briefly but thoughtfully:
I think it is easier to explain how to know that you DON'T have a vocation to celibacy than to explain how you do; it's easier to expose false reasonings than to put proper ones into words.
One thing people tend to misunderstand is that God always gives the gift of celibacy to make us more available to Him, not to make us more available to ourselves. So a celibate person should expect to have LESS time on his hands than a married one, not more. God is more demanding than a husband or wife!
Another thing that many people fail to realize is that a celibate person remains human, so all of his desires, both good and base, remain intact. Celibates are just as capable of sexual sins as married persons — both sins of the heart and sins in outward deed.
Her meditations are a little longer:
I was pleasantly surprised to find my response about having children printed in your column. Thank you — and you are so very welcome.
Concerning your request for a response about a call to singleness, I am happy to respond from personal experience as well as much reading I have done on this subject. However, I certainly claim to have no solid answers. I only know where God has led me thus far, and the grace he has given me. I'm pretty sure I could start a small library with my thoughts on this subject, so I will try and keep my response as brief as possible.
Apart from a direct word from God, I am not convinced that anyone can know they are called to permanent (lifelong) singleness. Those in the Catholic faith have the clarity of a mandated vow of celibacy to accompany their call to full-time ministry. Protestants do not have such a clear choice. Of all the Protestant singles in full-time ministry who I have read or know about personally, all have a desire and hope for marriage, but for one reason or another it has simply never worked out (yet). But they have also come to the realization that their desire for marriage is one more thing that gets to be laid on the altar of living a surrendered life. They have also discovered exceptional grace to live life with much joy in undivided devotion (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Singleness is one of those things (for me anyway) that requires acceptance of the grace God gives you for today and not worry about whether you'll have it for tomorrow, next year or the next decade. Seasons of life change. I believe that one can live in obedience, acceptance and contentment for the present season, trusting God to prepare them for other seasons as they may come. God rarely (if ever?) gives us a spotlight into the future.
However, I understand wanting to know. I questioned God ceaselessly in my late teens and early twenties till I realized the answer he was giving me was "Trust Me and wait." Still, it might be a good exercise to take a look at the motives behind a question like that. What are we really asking? How would our life change depending on the answer? First of all, the fact that this person is even asking this question shows a seriousness about discipleship that is noteworthy. Most young people shudder at even the mention of permanent celibacy and certainly don't get anywhere near asking God about it!
But back to the motives. We would like to imagine that if God said, "Single forever!" we would be able to breath a sigh of relief, write off all the hassle of romantic relationships or even the hope thereof, and go on our merry way of serving Him completely without another backward glance. But if His answer is "Marriage!" what would change? Are you going to abandon your desire and focus to live a life devoted to God to begin seeking high and low for Mr. or Miss Right? Or will you remain committed to God's call on your life, serving Him wholeheartedly until such time as he sees fit to bring your mate into your life?
A more pertinent question for your correspondent may be, "God, am I allowed to date?" If so, then he or she should be asking who, when and how. If not, then pray for the needed grace and a God-centered focus. God truly desires to counsel us in these things. Who better to counsel us in areas of the heart than the Lover of our souls and the Creator of our entire beings, including our hormones? And who better to choose a mate for us than that same loving, heavenly Father?
Thank you for the opportunity to give input on this question. May God continue to give you much grace and wisdom in your interactions with many.
For further reflection about singleness, I recommend that you begin with Scripture. Of course you should get a concordance and read everything in the Bible about marriage and singleness, but two key passages are Matthew 19 (esp. verses 8-12) and 1 Corinthians 7 (esp. verses 7-9 and 24-40). In the Matthew passage, keep in mind that the language about "making oneself a eunuch" is not to be taken literally — it refers to deliberately remaining single. Jesus used shocking language to emphasize that lifelong singleness is not for everyone.

 

[Prudent1]

However, God can open our eyes to the right man/woman who could have been in front of us the whole time, but we weren't mentally or emotionally ready to receive him or her at a certain time.

Just wanted to touch on what Bunny77 said here, this is so true. I think a lot of times ppl are not ready for spouses (in this case) or jobs, income levels, children, etc and God being the loving Father he is will not allow us to have those things so we can make a mess out of ourselves or others as the case may be. A 3 year old may be convinced they can drive a car and ask you for the keys. You as the adult can list a lot of reassons why they can not drive at this time. What type of adult would go ahead and let them try it out? Many fail to see this same thing taking place in their own lives in regards to the way God parents us. I'm really enjoying this thread ladies. There has been so much great advice and excellent points shared by all. That's the way it should be regardless to age or other factors- Christian women sharing and helping one another to grow and achieve their God given desires no matter what they are.

Oh BTW, I have only known one person who said God called them to singleness and they accepted that calling. One of my Aunts. She has been on fire for God for the past 25 or so years. Sure there have been challenges of the flesh but if God calls you to something he equips you to be successful. I don't believe that this is my calling and I do believe it to be a rare calling but I do think this calling exists and I can understand those who choose or accept it.

 

[sidney]

I'm going to be honest:

I think we spend WAY TOO MUCH time discussing relationships/marriage. Sometimes this can distract us from doing good works in the name of God. Being a Christian woman is not ALL about getting married and having children. There's other work to be done, but I feel like some Christian women (and men) become TOO preoccupied in "finding a spouse" when they could be trying to spread the Gospel in a hostile world.

This has been on my heart lately. Focus on God! Everything else will be "added." If God has told you to pray, then pray. if he said plant, then plant. If he said be proactive, then do it. Just be obedient and proactive as you can be and let God do the rest! No one should be worried, relax, your father has this under control. He will not allow you to miss out on the plans he has for you if you are doing what he asks.

 

[Maracujá]

Laela: I can't see the pic of the book you're talking about, could you please repost it?

 

[LVLY210]

I ended a long term relationship a while back and have started dating. One thing I have realized while trying to develop a closer relationship to God is that He is showing me exactly what I do and don't like in a man. He's developing my sense of discernment and also teaching me to trust Him in all things especially the fact that He knows who will be right for me. I can definitely say that I've been called to be single in this season in my life and I really appreciate it.

 

[Laela]

Hi Maracujá,

It's a book by Myles Munroe on what it really means to be "Single" no matter your relationship status:

Laela: I can't see the pic of the book you're talking about, could you please repost it?

 

[Maracujá]

Laela: Thank you so much! It was already on my wish list on Amazon.com, time to order it!