Sacred Singleness: Finding Ultimate Fulfillment in Him

Over Christmas break, I purchased a book called "Sacred Singleness" by Leslie Ludy. For all my friends out there-GO BUY IT NOW! I have read a lot of books, and I can honestly say this book is one of the few that has impacted me in such a big way.  God has really used this book to change my life-literally. Throughout this book Ludy discusses the struggles and joys many people face with singleness-and how God uses them to fall more in love with Him.  She also includes many personal examples, stories of single women, and Scripture to show God's purpose behind singleness.

In the beginning of the book, Ludy challenges the reader: "If you never got married, would He be enough?" This question really challenged me, and I began to search my heart for my desires and where God ranked among them. It was hard to admit, but my answer to that question at the time was "No". I then began a process of giving God all my desires-marriage, family, etc-and not expecting anything in return. Was it hard? So very. But looking back on it, was it worth it? Oh yes.

"He wanted me to lay down my 'right' to be married, walk down the aisle in a white dress, and live in a cute house with a white picket fence.  He was asking me to let Him be everything to me, to satisfy my every need, longing, and desire in my heart-even if an earthly prince never came my way.  It was the greatest challenge I have every faced.  Could I really let go of my precious dreams? Could I really lay my lifelong fairy-tale desires at the foot of His cross?  What if He never gave them back?  Would He really be enough to fulfill the desires of my heart, even if I never got married?"

          

                                -Sacred Singleness (Page 15)

One of my deepest desires is to get married and have children, and it has been ever since I can remember. Now that I am getting older and closer to the age of marriage, those desires have only grown. Giving God those dreams and desires was something I have wanted to do for years, and when I finally did, I found my true contentment and joy in my one and true Romancer. I felt so joyful, happy, and content. It has been a new beginning in my relationship with Him, and I felt so much security in Him-not myself. 

I have no idea if God has someone out there for me, but I do know if He does, this guy cannot give me the ultimate fulfillment and happiness-only Jesus Christ can.  This book has taught me a lot about fully depending on God and not even my husband someday. My future husband will make mistakes, say hurtful things, and not always understand me, but God will never disappoint or hurt me-I can only rely on Him.

"Singleness is an incredible opportunity to be fully consecrated in body and spirit to Jesus Christ alone--to be undistracted by any other romance and free to be consumed with Him.  And, as mentioned earlier, this is not only an amazing opportunity four our single years, but it is the absolute best way we could ever prepare for marriage.  When Jesus Christ is our all in all, we will never place unhealthy pressure upon our spouse to meet the needs only He can fill.  And if our husband is ever taken from us, we will no lose our confidence, hope, or security because it's in Jesus Christ".

                     

                                      -Page 48

My "season of singleness" could last a couple of months, years, or my entire lifetime, but I am not going to let the lies of Satan fill my head with negative thoughts.  I am not going to sit around waiting for my prince to come, because He already has.  And if God has someone for me, His love story for me will beautifully unfold before me.  So God, here are my single years. They are YOURS. Use this time in my life to pull me closer to You, serve Your kingdom, and share Your love with others.

With Blessings,

             Heather