In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul dives into marriage and singleness. He shares a lot of the things on his heart, and some of it is slightly confusing, without fully understanding the context of the culture he was living in. But two verses in particular, however, struck a different cord, and I found so much encouragement in it.
"An unmarried woman is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world - how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 7:34-35
The single season is so often referred to as the waiting season. We're waiting for our future husband to come along and sweep us off our feet so that we can live in an adorable house with adorable children. We're waiting for our career to take off or maybe just to move onto the next chapter of our lives because the single season can be a hard one. But in this verse, Paul reminds us that our singleness has a purpose. We're not meant to spend this time waiting around, because we're meant to spend it pursuing Jesus with our whole hearts.
However long we're single for, this is a sacred, precious time to fix our eyes on Jesus and run after Him as hard as we can. We can be 110%, all in, Jesus-obsessed girls (and guys) because He holds our heart, most of all in our single season. This is a gift to root ourselves into Scripture, figure out who He says we are, and create a godly community that will carry us through the rest of our lives.
We don't have to be in a rush to the next season or find our perfect someone special because this season is important. This season is shaping our faith and our character, refining us and teaching us our biggest life lessons. This season is God's way of saying, "hey, look over here, it's MY turn to get your attention!" It's our call to be still, to slow down, and to wholly surrender to the Lord. This season, although difficult in many ways, is our beautiful opportunity to be all in Christians, chasing so hard after Jesus and continuing to serve others in a capacity we only have when we're giving everything we are to the Lord.
"Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them." - 1 Corinthians 7:17
Rewinding a few verses, Paul speaks to my heart in a new way, reminding me of the bigger picture. Because no matter what season we are in, the most important thing is that we live like and reflect Christ in every way. In every season, we should be pointing to Jesus. Whether you're a high school student, a working college student, a newlywed, a busy mom, a retired nana, we are called to live as a follower of Christ. That is one thing that never changes, and honestly, it challenges me to think about if I am living like Jesus where He has put me right now, or if I'm striving and falling back into sin. It forces me to reflect on if I am using the opportunities God has given me right now to the fullest, or if I'm wishing away my everyday blessings by dwelling on yesterday or tomorrow.
It is so easy to get overwhelmed with the to-do list of homework and places in my heart that still needs healing. But right here, right now, all God is asking is that we live as a believer wherever we are. We don't have to be perfect, we just have to keep reflecting His love.
Here's what I want you to walk away with.
No matter what season we are in (single, student, working, married, parents, retired, etc), each season has a purpose. Specifically in our singleness, we have a beautiful opportunity to learn into Jesus and run after Him like never before. But every season is a blessing, and God has put us there for a reason (even if we can't see the reason yet!). And in each of these specific times of our lives, we are called to live as followers of Christ. We aren't called to save a certain amount of people, rush through this season as fast as possible, or read a certain amount of chapters in the Bible. We are simply called to reflect Jesus wherever He has placed us, and so instead of hurrying or perfecting, we can slow down, appreciate this moment, and enjoy the season we are in.
I know I have so much room for growth, but I want to hear from you. How are you intentional about slowing down and appreciating the season you're in? What does it look like to live like a believer, practically speaking? Is there anything you learned the hard way from past seasons (hurrying, dwelling on the future, etc)? Let me know in the comments down below!
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