The Single Factor

Sunday, August 17, 2003

Joy

Oh my goodness! It’s been forever and a day or two since one of us last posted to this blog. I bet you were wondering if we would ever come back. We do appreciate the fact that you have taken time out of your day to visit and read what is on our hearts and what we feel led to share with you.

One of the main goals of this site is to share with people the freedom that comes from Christ; the freedom that comes from completely trusting him. At the Cross Point Community Church women’s ministry retreat a couple of weeks ago, I experienced that freedom again. Prior to that, I was participating in a bible study at First Baptist Church on who is God’s best as a husband (learning character, what we as women need to do that is in accordance with scripture REGARDLESS of our marital status, etc…). When asked what did I learn after four weeks, I announced “I know that I’m not ready for marriage.”

At the retreat, I spent time in prayer, listening to the stories of other married and single women; of mom’s and grand-mom’s. Saturday night, early in the morning, I was journaling some thoughts and impressions so I wouldn’t forget. I wrote “Lord, I am willing to wait on you for a husband – NO matter how long it takes!” It took everything I had not to run through cabin screaming for joy, praising God. The weight of years of expectations, desires, needs, and wants lifted off my shoulders. This was one part of my life I had been unwilling to completely surrender to God because I still wanted say in it. Why was this an issue? I really can’t answer that other than to say our culture helps to make it an issue. On A&E right now as I’m writing this, they have a show on two different types of matchmakers… and I will admit to an eharmony.com membership that has been less than successful.

Back to the point of this entry: Jesus said that he will carry our burden; his yoke is easy and his burden is light. We are to put all of our trust in Him and lean not on our own understand. He will make our paths straight. He knows the plans He has for us – plans to prosper and not harm us, plans for a hope and a future. I cannot describe to you the joy, the relief, the satisfaction, the gratefulness I have for being able to surrender any and everything to the God of the Universe, our Creator, the Alpha and Omega, and call him Abba Father. And that He loves me so much it is beyond my comprehension. He calls me His Princess (so it isn’t in the Bible word for word but if we are daughters and sons of the King, that would make us prince and princesses).

What is holding you back from joy – true joy? You may be a Christ follower as I was but still there is sin, there is something that blocks you from a real relationship with God. You may be a seeker and unsure about this whole Christianity thing and not one single word of what I said makes sense to your mind but it speaks to your heart. Surrender it! Go to the God who made you, who knows every hair on your head, who had a plan for you before you were even a twinkle in your parents’ eye and admit your need. Don’t hold it back from God. He wants your honesty. Do you talk to the Lord as you would talk to your best friend? I know I wasn’t. I would tell her everything and only go to God with a tenth... and not even the same issues. He couldn’t help me until I was willing to bear my heart and soul, my deepest fears, my deepest desires… hopes, dreams, confusion, anger – EVERYTHING to him. I asked for forgiveness and repented of sin.. I asked for help with temptations that I struggle with that lead me to sin. Even as believers, we are called to constantly renew ourselves in Him.

Remember that it takes time to build a relationship, and that is what God wants with us. Start there first… you’ll be better for it!