Monday, August 29, 2011
Is Single A Sickness?
I am a 25 year old single female and as a christian that is on par with having a life threatening disease. Years ago I decided to wait on God`s timing for when I would get married. It all started with reading two books (When God writes your love story by Eric and Leslie Ludy, and I kissed dating goodbye by Joshua Harris.). My eyes were opened to a new way of doing things even if I didn`t agree with everything in the books. I made a choice to let God direct me to the right man. Now in saying that I must also confess I have not been perfect in my resolve. Many times I have tried to rush God or manipulate circumstances to go my way, or just got distracted with a particularly charming guy. I knew when I was younger that this was a hard decision to live out, I had a feeling that there would be a lot of patience required. Having foreknowledge doesn`t take away from how tough it`s been. The funny thing is I don`t mind being single, I love life. I have experienced things and had adventures that would not have been possible as a married women. The tough stuff comes from the outside. Tonight was a great example. My brother and his wife came over for dinner, and somehow we got onto the topic of my dating life or in my case lack thereof. He stated his fears with my belief system, even going as far at to say that this might be a sign of something unhealthy within me. I didn`t realize a sign of health was marriage, the 40% divorce rate doesn`t seem to support this. My brother is not the only one who has raised questions, and questions are good. I welcome the chance to examine what I believe. I continually go back to God and the people I respect the most in my life, and I continually receive peace to stay on my path. I know I want a marriage one day that is a testimony to the love of God. A God that is acquainted with the most intimate details of our life. A God who delights in love between his children. A God who has plans for us that are beyond our wildest dreams. My God is my Father and my best friend, how could I leave him out of deciding who I wanted to spend my life with. He knows me better than anyone and he knows what is best for me, what I truly need. It is okay if I need to wait a little longer than others around me. I will enjoy this time, making the most of it. The truth is when I became a disciple of Jesus Christ I gave up the right to my will, my way. I lay down my will daily (or at least try to) for the Gods will. My life is lived to bring Him glory and honor. If it brings God more glory for me to stay single then he will give me the grace to do so. Though I sincerely hope that God has marriage and motherhood planned for me. For today God has called me to be single, and I will find peace, joy and purpose in that. It is okay that people may think I am wrong, or that there might be something wrong with me. I live for the approval of one. He is my prince charming, the lover of my soul, my all in all! In Him I have found a love that is sweeter than life itself.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Waiting, and then waiting some more!
I am in a season of waiting. I don't know how long this season will be, but I hope not too much longer! Have you ever had to wait on the Lord for something? It's hard, especially for a type A personality like me. I like to be productive, make quick decisions and get things done. God is asking me to wait on him right now to make a decision. I am being obedient and waiting...... but it's not very fun! So I am trying to learn and grow through this experience. I was reading a book the other day by Cathy Lechner called "I hope God's promises come to pass before my body parts go south". It may be a funny title but its a good book. She makes a statement I love " The person who receives the prophecy is not the same person who fulfills it.", meaning by the time the prophecy comes to pass you have changed in the process of waiting in faith. Sometimes God shows you a tiny piece of whats to come in your life. Right away we want it, and try to achieve it in our own efforts. If we had what God has promised us right away we would probably destroy it. God has perfect timing, it's not our timing and it doesn't always make sense to us, but that's okay. Sometimes while waiting on the Lord, things start to look worse before they get better. That's okay also, that is the time to really press into God, worship him for his faithfulness and power over every situation in life. God is not only interested in the destination, he is interested in the journey. So if you are waiting on God for an answer, or for the promise he gave you long ago to come to pass, continue to trust. Wait in peace, and expectant faith. Praise his holy name and ask him what he wants you to learn in this season. When he gives you peace walk forward into what he has asked you to do. Life with God is a big adventure, it's a daily dying to your own desires and finding new life in God's plan.
Isaiah 55:8-9
New International Version (NIV)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Psalm 32:8
New International Version (NIV)
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Thursday, August 18, 2011
Hello Bad Day!
Do you ever have the days when you wake up and the day seems to be doomed before it's even begun. You wake up grumpy, maybe your late or maybe someone startles you out of your sleep. Then every step you take seems to go wrong. You can't find your favorite shirt. You spill your coffee while trying to answer your emails. The shower seems cold, your deodorant explodes all over the floor. And even without all of this happening you just felt down to begin with. This is the perfect time to get in a quiet spot and spend time with God. Your entire day will follow the same path if you don't have a quick change of attitude. I love to turn on some worship music and remind myself of how good God is even when I am not. How he brings peace and joy to his children. Here are a couple of great bible versus to meditate on.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:1-3,7
Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (AMP)
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7 (AMP)
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 (AMP)
The Lord cares about every detail of our lives. He cares that your day hasn't started great, but he's ready to teach you how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit even when nothing goes right. We can walk in joy, peace, patience, self-control, hope and love in the midst of any trouble. These times are great training ground to succeed when life really hits you hard. If you can be faithful in the small, you will be faithful in the larger. As a christian I think we all hope to respond by faith when something bad happens in our life. Let this bad day be the start of walking by faith and not by sight.
God is good and in control at all times!
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