While reading an article one day, one sentence caught my attention: “Don’t worry if you are single. God’s looking at you right now saying… ‘I’m saving this girl for someone special’.” Further on there was another sentence that said: “Ladies: place your heart in the hands of God and He will place it in the hands of a man who He believes deserves it.”
This really made me think about how many girls and women are still waiting for this someone “special”. For many girls and women, getting married has been the most important purpose, right from the time when they were very young. As they get older, they see their friends getting married and starting families while they remain single. The thought comes, “What’s going on, God? When is it going to be my turn?”
It was exactly the same for me. I grew up thinking that one day I would also be a wife and mother. It was what I expected for my life. As I grew older I saw most of my friends getting married and having children. I would be lying if I said that it never affected me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
But these words in Proverbs 3:5 (NCV) have helped me: “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding.” When I think about my future, I have two options. I can “depend on my own understanding” and have all these ideas about how my life should be. Then I can sit and wait for God to start making these ideas a reality. Or I can say, “God, I put my whole life in Your hands. I believe with all of my heart that whatever You have planned for me is exactly the best for me. No matter what life brings my way, I trust You.”
Does this mean that I’m never tempted to feel lonely? Or that I’m not sometimes tempted to want the same when I see other women my age with their families? Not at all. But I have faith in a God who gives me power to say ‘No!’ to these thoughts, these temptations, and have my treasure in heavenly things instead of the things of earth. (Matthew 6:19-20.)
Philippians 4 is full of really encouraging words. “For I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11. This is something I am really working on in my life. Whether I am married or single, rich or poor, going through good times or hard times - when I trust completely in God, I become happy and content. In Philippians 4:6 (NLT) it says, “Don’t worry about anything.” God has everything in His hands!
Life is not boring!
And life is not boring! When I give myself completely to serving God, I use my time, energy and talents to bless the others, serve in my church, and make life good for my family and friends. All of this will fill my heart! That natural longing for a family is still there, but I haven’t allowed it to take over.
I have experienced that when I take it this way and really give up all other thoughts, my life is rich and full. I don’t have to worry about the future. “My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.” Philippians 4:19 (NCV). I believe in that promise! And that is a promise for now and all eternity!
I don’t comfort myself with empty words about how God is waiting to give me someone special. No, my comfort is in the fact that God is guiding every step of my life. No matter what the circumstances are, God has planned it to be the very best for me. And if I am faithful to trust in Him each step of the way, He will prepare a rich, eternal reward for me. It’s definitely a battle, but it’s the only thing that gives me rest and peace in my heart. And my life is rich and happy!