Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I’ve asked myself what I am grateful for. My top ones are God and my family, but I’m even grateful for the growth I’ve experienced this year. God has taken me deeper, showing me sides to Him I’ve never known before. Was it pleasant? Not always, but the level of discernment and spiritual maturity is priceless.
I want to ask what you are grateful for, particularly in your singleness. I know sometimes we focus on the opposite. No one to share the holidays with. It’s another year of being alone. Another year of no prospects, but what if we shifted our focus and looked for reasons to be thankful? I can think of a few.
One, you’re not in a toxic relationship. Because of deeper intimacy with God, I know my value. If Jesus Christ gave Himself for me, why would I take the scraps just to have someone? Don’t forget, we’re still in cuffing season and most singles lower their standards because of loneliness and desperation. But when you’re deeply rooted in Christ, even when you feel the loneliness, you’re empowered and you choose to keep trusting His perfect timing for your life.
Two, you have your focus. Think of the wondrous things God can do in your life with your full attention. Sadly, as Christian singles, we’re mostly self-conscious that we don’t see what God wants us to do in our lives without a spouse. What can you do now? Serve freely? Travel more for missionary work? Give generously to a ministry or charity? How can God use you now with your undivided attention? Think about it.
Three, God must have something great! We’re in the Thanksgiving holiday and I don’t know about you, but I grew up in a family where the good food took days to cook. The desserts were something we looked forward to because we knew the matriarchs in our family took their time and didn’t rush. God is the same way. He’s not a microwave, and while a TV dinner may satisfy now and then, there’s nothing like a home cooked meal. We may be impatient when God takes His time, but when He serves what you’ve been waiting for, it will be worth it. To be waiting this long, it’s got to be amazing!
Four, it can still happen. Just because we shouldn’t settle doesn’t mean we can’t be open. If you’re still single, don’t think this can’t change today. God can do a lot in your life between now and the end of this year! You never know what will happen. Are you in community? Are you putting yourself out there? Are you releasing your preferences to date outside of your usual type? Sure, attraction to the person is important. Keep your integrity, but what if the least likely person you’d consider is actually a candidate? It can still happen. This year is not over yet so have hope!
If you’re thinking, “I get what you’re saying, but nothing has happened yet,” I understand. You already put yourself out there only to be disappointed. Still, I challenge you to not put your faith in the outcome, but to keep it in Jesus. Relationship or not, God hasn’t failed you. I don’t know His timing, but He’s a good Father we can trust. Hold on to that, even when you’re tempted to doubt His plan for you. So find something to be grateful for in your singleness. Praise God for what He’s done, doing, and going to do for you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Check out The Christian Singles Hub website for information on Christian matchmaking, Christian speed dating, upcoming Christian retreats, events, trips and so much more at https://thechristiansingleshub.com/
Written by Daria White Osah
You can find Daria Here:
Devotional https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Younger-Me-Devotional-Personal-ebook/dp/B09QRKBRGB/
Her podcast Single Plus https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/singleplus
& on Instagram @mysingleplus
