(1 Corinthians 7:32-40)
I am humbled each day by the myriad of requests that I receive. One request and topic that I have not devoted much time to in these Devotionals is that of singles. This is the group of men and women who have never been married, are divorced, or have lost their spouse. In this world that promotes a normal life as being in a relationship with someone, many who are single feel left out and not complete. Even God said that it was not good for man to be alone and created a helpmeet for him. It is natural for us to want an intimate relationship with someone, making many who are single feel a strong inner pull to be with someone.
First of all, let me share how the enemy has used this issue of being single to “kill, steal, and destroy” many lives. God’s perfect plan for a man and woman is one man, one woman, one lifetime. That means intimate same sex relationships are a total perversion of that plan. That means sexual relations outside of marriage is a total perversion of that plan. Because of the media bombardment and societal influences on being in a relationship, young adults 13 and up are driven to have a boyfriend or girlfriend. I have spoken before that based on my experience in dealing with the broken lives of these romances, young adults should get out of high school before having that type of relationship. Even if they remain pure sexually, it is the emotional drain at a time when so much is happening. As people get out of high school and into college, the workforce, the pressures to have relationships increase, and sex becomes a big part of the pressures in these relationships. Eighty-five percent of abortions are from these young adult, pre-marital relationships. Once a man or woman is married, infidelity becomes an issue in many lives. Divorce occurs in roughly 50% of marriages. Many now find themselves alone again, and craving the intimacy of a relationship end up compromising what they know God wants from their life.
My friends, this is the real life where most people live. It is often tragic, and tends to drive a wedge between people and a committed walk with Christ because they know they are not living the life God has called for them to live. They blame God for being alone, and then deal with the guilt and shame of being in a relationship that they know God does not approve of. I don’t have any magical answers for you today, but let me share from my heart what the Bible says, and what I have come to know through many, many real life situations.
Your mate, the one God has chosen for you to spend your life with is one of the most important things that happens in a person’s life. It is a matter of much prayer, and needs to be something you don’t rush into. Wise counsel from others . . . prayer . . . watching for the Lord to give signs . . . what the Bible says . . . all these things help us to know the one God has for us. Why the Lord brings a mate into someone’s life right away, and makes others wait for years, often decades, is something I cannot answer. I do know from the Bible that fulfilling our God-given purpose of serving and glorifying God with our lives, being single is best. I have come to realize those that He has kept single are very special people indeed. It is not something many can do, and the Lord has given a special opportunity to some that He has set apart to remain single. I do believe that just like the Lord calls people to different jobs of service in the ministry, He has called some, set them apart to be single. I think this is a very few people, and for most, He does have someone for you.
I realize his is a very difficult and sensitive subject for many. You have waited patiently for months, years, waiting on the Lord to bring a mate into your life. Stand firm. Don’t compromise your faith. I am standing with you in agreement for that person. You are in a battle. To win a battle, you must have a battle plan. Pray, sit down, and let God give you a plan you can faithfully work each day. Then, you need someone you can be accountable to on a daily basis. You can’t win this fight alone, you need someone to stand with you, and to hold you accountable. Lastly, you need the strength you can only get from God. That comes from your daily relationship through prayer and the Word, from being in church, and finding ways to serve the Lord. All of this working together will help you overcome this battle and see victory.
Know that I love you and am praying for you. God won’t let you down. I believe in many cases it is a time of testing. Stand firm. Don’t compromise the TRUTH in God’s Word. I will be praying for you, praying with you. God is able. Never forget that while you wait for the Lord to bring your mate into your life, the most important relationship is the one you have daily with Christ. Spend that quality time each day with Him. While the earthly relationships will one day pass away, the one you have with Jesus is one you will enjoy for eternity.
