First, let me say it's great to be back in the blogisphere! It's been a few years, the Lord has done much in my life as I'm sure he's done in yours, and I'm eager to share those events and lessons in the coming days/months as He leads.
For now, I ran across this excellent article on a topic I've thought of writing on so many times and will likely touch on in future posts. It's written by Jessalyn Hutto, a contributing writer for the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. While the title may strike you as odd (ie. why is a married woman sharing an article about singleness?), you'll find that Jessalyn discusses and addresses the proper Godly, Biblical thought and attitude toward the season of life you happen to be in. In this case, she specifically takes on singleness and childlessness, and God's sanctification process in the midst of those circumstances.
Sanctification is for Single People, Too.
I'm so thankful for this article as I have been living as one waiting to have children. And, by God's grace, I hopefully do my very best to not be a woman who acts as one being more or less sanctified than others, if for no other reason than I've been on the painful receiving end of such comments and know through God's reassuring Word that this is truly not His attitude toward me. God does all things for the good of those who love Him, therefore, sanctification is not a contest/race against other sisters in Christ to see who is getting more of it. We all go through more or less intense times of growth, and certainly certain situations, whether they be trials, joys, or just regular life stages/events, carry various intensities of lessons, experience, and wisdom. Therefore, we should be careful not to carry our 'season' and subsequent sanctification as a badge of self-worth or even pride, especially when talking with other women. I like to say, sharing is one thing, flaunting is a whole other thing. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Sarah and Hannah had despisers. And ladies, we can cross that line easily to the great pain of another sister. Furthermore, Scripture shows us that God does not smile upon these attitudes/behaviors and He will and does ultimately defend His people.
This kind of attitude/behavior can also reflect spiritual immaturity, if for no other reason than it is not winsome in the cause of Christ. God does not want us trampling each other with our prizes. In an ultimate sense, this pride is so near-sighted because it is so short-sighted. Everyone is in a state of waiting, whether they realize it or not. As Christians, we eagerly await the return of our Savior or for death to take us to Him, and the installation of His eternal kingdom, new bodies, etc...but most all, to be in His presence forever. The most glorious gift of all! The whole Bible really is a story about waiting! So clearly, God has a good purpose for it, for us to be encouraged about and reminded of His love in it. Waiting for a husband, children, a job, etc...these are all just a test-drive toward and dim shadow of what lies ahead. The only glorious difference - heaven is certain. Amen!
We all should also be on guard for this sin because waiting is really hard. Last time I checked, this joy-filled road carries many struggles, triumphs, and trials specifically designed by God with His people in mind. Another way to put it may be, that all of our circumstances are made by a personal God for us personally. You watch friends get married, have children, watch those children grow up, and in my case, start college, get engaged, and yes, even your friend's children have babies. And my good God uses all of this to mold me into His image. As I've been waiting, God has often drawn me to those specific 'waiting' passages. Passages like: I will never leave nor forsake you. I am with you to the end of the age. Be still and know that I am God. I will restore the years the locusts have eaten away. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, along with the reminders of His covenant. And in those grueling times, when the enemy desperately wants you to doubt, these passages are a challenge and a comfort. Hold on to the promises; God is fully sufficient and good. God did not intend us to wish we had another person's experiences and therefore, be tempted to think we're less in His eyes in order to obtain His favor. Doesn't that sound like a story from the first chapters of Genesis? You know, the one with a woman, a serpent, and some fruit. Don't let what God has shown you in the light be taken away by another person's words.
And lastly, you will sin; we all do. But, you will likely be more confronted with your sin during this time. Take heart, this is real sanctification, and you are greatly favored when the Holy Spirit chooses to expose/reveal it. Repent and remind yourself of His forgiveness and Christ's work on the cross for you. You are His beloved.
So, from my personal experience, here are some sanctifying benefits to waiting that you may find to be helpful reminders. Though, I must warn you, be patient. You may not see these at first. Take comfort, it's just another one of God's ways of building your trust in Him.
1. Waiting stretches our trust in the Lord and sanctifies us to be most satisfied in Him - our only hope. 2. It gets our eyes off of the world (or should!), strengthening our obedience to all God's commandments. 3. Depending on the way you choose to wait, this time can be an example and encouragement to others - making them/you more grateful for what they/you have, and enabling them to pray for and seek ways to serve you - and giving them a greater understanding of who God is. 4. It may give you more opportunity to serve Him in ways that those who are married or who have children do not have the time for, specifically in His church. The church is always in need. 5. He can use it to bring unbelievers to Himself. 6. It can and often does create more of a Godly desire for the good thing you want and give you time to focus on preparing for that, ultimately thanking God for and cherishing it more if/when it is received. Does this sound like favor to you? 7. But finally and most hopefully, it works in the life of your church to proclaim God's sovereignty, saving it from the pitfalls of a sinful 'cookie-cutter Christian' mentality. God is the same and unchangeable, but His means for our growth are not, with the exception of worship and the means of grace (prayer, the preaching of the Word, and the sacraments). In other words, waiting strengthens, sanctifies, and matures His church which is to His glory. Yes, that is the goal isn't it...God's glory. So, Enjoy Him and be reminded as you abide in His plan for your life, your God is with you always. In the meantime, let's humbly spur one another on in holiness and encourage one another while in the midst of all circumstances.
Jude 1:24-25 Doxology
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
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