And all the married ladies say, "Do it all while you're single because when you're married you won't have that pleasure". Wow, talk about pressure. Don't get me wrong. I completely agree with them. I do. But I also understand the pressure that puts on us singles.
Do it all- missions, mentoring, friendships, travel.
You're single.
Use those resources- money, time, freedom.
Do not waste your extra time.
Sounds good, but I'm a little stumped. Where does God's leading come into the equation. Again, I realize that ignoring the leading of God is not what these women are insinuating. But singles can get that confused, or maybe that's just me. I've felt the pressure to pick up as many mission trips I can hold, to plan as many traveling adventures as I can afford (make that none), and to mentor as many girls as I can find. You know what I've found? I don't feel a particular leading in any direction mission wise; I have little funds to travel, even though I would love too; and their are few girls in my sphere of influence in this particular season. I've prayed asking God have I missed the boat. I want to do missions, I want to travel, and I want to mentor. So why so little direction? Where's the opportunities I'm suppose to have.
There are always opportunity to go on missions trips and pour into people. Am I missing what's right in front of me? No, I'm not surrounded by a bunch of girls looking for mentoring, but I work with a bunch of adults who need the saving grace of Jesus. No, I'm not sure where God is leading me missionally, in the way that we're most accustom to (internationally), but I'm a part of a church that needs people willing to get messy. I can listen for the leading of the Spirit to "go". No, I don't have the funds to travel whenever I want, but I have to ability to save for special trips. Even though I'm stretched thin opening Lady Belle's, I have time with a little maneuvering and saying "no" to some things.The thing to remember is we follow a personal God with a personal leading in each of our lives. I can easily get caught up in looking around me at all the "cool" stuff single women my age are involved in and beat myself up for not "using my singleness". That's wrong.
When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me" (John 21:21-22).
Can you tell what God's been teaching me? I think I've blogged about "Follow Me" in at least three posts lately.
What I'm trying to say is "Yes, we should definitely be using our singleness for the Kingdom", but that means following Him. Let's seek God for our lives. Let's pour ourselves on the alter of His will. Let's give our all for His glory. But let's do it all under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Missions? Yes!
Traveling? Sure, why not!
Mentoring? Absolutely!
But don't follow other's standards. Don't follow your own standards. Follow the standards of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)?
Happy following!
In His Name,
Jennifer
8 comments:
I'm right there with you, girl! It's easy sometimes to get pulled into a false sense of guilt for not being a spiritual superstar single, but you're right, that is wrong. What matters is that I'm honoring God where He has placed me and with the relationships He has given me right now, even if it doesn't look to anybody (including myself) like I'm doing much. It's obedience He wants.
Amen! I think it's hard to find contentment because of the pressure, from within and without, to always be doing more. I want to, but more than that, I want to be obedient. Thanks, Becca!
"But don't follow other's standards. Don't follow your own standards. Follow the standards of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Amen. Thank you for this beautiful reminder that we each have a unique story and that the Lord calls us to unique things. Love you girl!
Hey Jennifer! Grateful, friend, for your honest words here. I struggled struggled struggled too when I received that advice prior to marriage. While I never quite found the balance in the moment, God's goodness became clear in retrospect. And I agree that much pressure is put on single people . . . I'm married, but I can still take advantage of many of the same opportunities. As long as we live each day striving to glorify God in what we do, we're living out His will. Rest in that, friend. xoxo
I've just written a post on trusting myself...and when people around me now are in relationships, I'm thinking, why them and not me? But His ways are always higher then ours and he knows what we need in every situation. Keep trusting and it'll all work out.
Thank you, Laura! It's something I'm trying to remember. Love you!
Sarah, thank you. It helps to see from the "other side" of singleness that "it" doesn't all have to be done today. Following Jesus is so much easier when you take away the pressure of doing everything, even things you want to do. Thanks, Sarah!
Amen, Amy! I'll be checking that out! :)
Well said well said well said.
Thanks, Annie!
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