I have been single for a very long time.  It’s not that I choose to remain single; it’s just that I am comfortable with myself and will not jump into a relationship just to say I have a boyfriend.  I have had many people tell me that it is good that I am so particular about whom I am interested in.  Others have told me that it’s bad, and I should give more guys a chance.  However, waiting for that special someone makes me extremely happy.  I am happy to know that God is preparing the heart of the man that I get to be with forever.  But this idea of “waiting” also makes me very impatient.  I know that I am not the only woman out there who feels this way.  I also know that I am not the only woman who is willing to pursue a man even when I know I shouldn’t, because it is difficult to be patient.

I still talk occasionally with a guy I once dated.  Now this guy was pretty fantastic.  We had so much in common and could talk for hours.  On our first date of meeting each other, there were no awkward pauses or lulls.  As much as I liked him, I knew that I could not be with him.  He unfortunately, did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He told me that he would support me and would respect me, both spiritually and physically.  I appreciated his gesture and I so badly wanted to say, “Yes! I will continue to date you.”  However, I also know that I want my future husband to be a great spiritual leader, and I want to raise my children in the Word and knowing God.  Not too long ago, he went on vacation and I did him a favor.  He returned the favor by setting up a “date night” for me and a man of my choosing.  As grateful as I was for this offer, I also became very sad.  I began to think about the men I have encountered who have great personalities and not too bad on the eyes 😉  I thought about how it is probably ten times easier to find a man if you are not a Christ-follower.  I then began to think about how if you bring up this conversation with other Christ-followers, they (especially the men) become so offended.  “There are great Christian guys right here! We are single! Why don’t you give us a chance?!”  You almost feel guilty for not giving them a chance, but then you remind yourself that even though they have a great relationship with God, that does not mean that you are physically attracted to them.  

Relationships in the Christian world often seemed so rushed, in my opinion.  Young Christian adults are so eager to get married and start a family because if you are not married by the age of 23, then there must be something wrong with you.  Isn’t it sad that there is so much pressure placed upon young Christian women and men in this community?  There are many young Christian couples who have married young and have children, but this is in no way an insult to them.  Instead this is an encouraging reminder to the singles out there who believe that Mr. Perfect will never show up.  This is a reminder to the singles that are so worried and consumed with finding their perfect someone: find favor in the Lord instead of placing favoring in others. God knows your life.  He knows when certain events are going to take place.  Have you thought that maybe He has not brought that person in your life for a reason? Maybe you still need to work on yourself? Maybe you need to pursue a dream before settling down? Maybe your “special someone” has not come to Christ yet, and God is tugging on their heart strings.

God’s timing is perfect.  When we rush His timing, we are not following His will or plan for our lives.  I know that this is a hard concept to follow, because I too have a difficult time trusting in God’s timing.  However, I know that when that time comes it will be truly special.  God has not given up on you.  He has not forgotten about you.  He loves you so much, that He wants the best for you.  Now if that means waiting until I’m 30 to be married, then sign me up! I would rather trust and follow God’s timing, than doing life on my own time.  My challenge for you is that you also trust in His timing.  A lady in waiting is a valuable characteristic to possess.  There is nothing more valuable than waiting on the Lord.