There are inevitably days when being single feels like it’s outstayed its welcome. Longing for the companionship of a husband, you yearn for those days to pass quickly and never return. “Lord, how much longer must I wait?” you ask. The truth of Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT) gives us much-needed encouragement: “7 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” God remains steadfast and faithful as we go through our ups and downs, but we must know that His focus is on our soul’s ultimate transformation and growth during this period of waiting.

Our Heavenly Father deserves our unwavering confidence and faith in Him, extending way beyond the anticipation of a long-awaited partner in life. In Philippians 4:19 (NLT), the Apostle Paul testifies of God’s power, provision, and faithfulness: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Our Heavenly Father promises to take care of all our needs, and when He makes a promise to us, He’s not going to waver back and forth. He always keeps His promises.

One of the underlying truths of all blessings is that God can’t be rushed. His timing is perfect, and this truth is the conduit through which all blessings are delivered. Waiting to meet and develop a relationship with our marital partner is a part of trusting God’s timing and plan for our lives.

Preparation
The reality of life is that God doesn’t force things to happen. If this was His way, then we’d most likely be born already saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. We’d come out of the womb knowing His Word fully, but we all know that this isn’t the case. God waits on us to grow and learn, and to ultimately make the choice to love Him for ourselves.

Waiting allows us to grow spiritually and personally, becoming the kind of person who is prepared for a healthy relationship. Personal struggles with doubts, wrong believing, and negative habit patterns can hinder a relationship from flourishing in Christ. Galatians 5:24 (NLT) says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” Many of us haven’t done this. We’ve not made it a priority to seek God through prayer and studying His Word in order to renew our minds and nail the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross.

If we haven’t demonstrated a deep commitment to God during our singleness, it may be challenging to maintain that commitment once married. This shortfall can have long-term consequences, leading to heartbreak and pain for everyone involved.

Purpose and Alignment
Romans 8:28 (NLT) is a powerful and comforting message about the assurance and faithfulness of God in the lives of believers: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” This verse reminds us that God is the One with the plan for each of us, including the timing of when the right person will enter our lives. Waiting acknowledges that God orchestrates circumstances, our spiritual readiness, and the readiness of the other person to align perfectly according to His purpose. It’s a period of trusting His timing and preparing ourselves spiritually and emotionally for what He has in store.

Even though it may not seem evident to us, God is orchestrating events behind the scenes to align both partners with His purpose, ensuring their relationship starts on a solid foundation. Waiting allows these divine aspects to unfold naturally, but we’re not to sit around twiddling our thumbs. Instead, we should be partnering with God through our faith and diligence.

Not giving up hope despite delays or setbacks, cultivating patience, acquiring new skills, and using the waiting period as an opportunity to serve others and contribute positively to their lives; these are the kinds of diligent effort that our Heavenly Father rewards. So, by practicing diligence during the wait, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and position ourselves to receive His blessings in His perfect timing.

God tells us that those who trust in Him are like trees planted by the river. Unaffected by tough times, we remain anchored in Him, productive and nurtured by Him continually through Christ. He can’t be rushed, but He will be pleased by our efforts to use our time as singles as a season of preparation and growth. It’s an opportunity to surrender our desires to God’s timing and guidance, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory. ■

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

“God Can’t Be Rushed”, written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024.  All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.