In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded that there is a time or a season for everything. Currently, I am in a season of singleness. It has lasted longer than I anticipated. Here I am over 40, yet to be married. Although women’s liberation is encouraged and celebrated, I desire marriage—what I believe is God’s ordained plan for my life.
In the past when I was asked, “Where is your husband?” or “You aren’t married?” looks that expressed embarrassment would show in my face. Or I would grin to cover my pain, when others would comment, “You’d make a good wife.”
I did what I knew to do according to God’s Word. I also confessed to others my desire to be married. As I waited on the Lord, I took the advice of individuals close to me. I focused on my relationship with God and became more involved in ministry with my church. Subsequently, I worked on myself. I earned my degrees including a doctorate, developed hobbies such as cooking, and addressed my character flaws. I read books, attended conferences, and continued to pray.
So many days, I questioned, “Why is it that I’ve been serving God for so many years, believing Him for marriage and I am still not married?” But those thoughts derived from wrong thinking. They were wrong because I believed that I knew what was best for me and assumed that God did not have the best in mind for my life. However, I was reminded that my times are in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15), and that His timing is best.
I no longer consider my singleness a burden. I have learned to be content (Philippians 4:11-12). I continue to work within ministries at my church and minister to others on a daily basis through my words, actions, and deeds. I stand on God’s promise in Hebrews 10:36, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
I also discovered that there is no need to be ashamed or embarrassed by my marital status; I rather like being single now. For Psalm 34:5 states, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” As I look to God, I place my confidence in Him and am assured that He knows what is best for me and that His timing perfect.
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