Friday, June 16, 2017

The Wait, Part 2: Stay Lit

In my last post, I spoke openly about my choice to remain abstinent until marriage. In a recent conversation with a friend who is also single, we talked about marriage 'qualifications,' discussing the qualities we look for in men, and also pondering why we are still single. My friend, an extrovert, expressed concerns about being "too much," explaining that she has a "strong personality" and is unafraid to speak her mind. I'm an introvert, but I can relate. Once I'm comfortable around someone, I tell it like it is (carefully, because I believe we should say everything in a loving way, as Christ would). Still, I feel like a lot of people don't know how to take my straightforwardness coupled with my confidence.

Like my friend, I used to think I was "too much," too; so much that I felt like I was being overlooked. The New King James version of Proverbs 18:22 reads, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." I don't usually cite the New Living Translation, but in this case, I think it's more relatable to my wait. It reads, "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord" (emphasis mine). Treasure is often buried. As I've gotten older, I've realized I'm not being overlooked. I'm being hidden. There's a difference.

When you're special, God takes you out of the crowd and places you where you can only be found by others who are diligently seeking Him. If you could see yourself the way God sees you, you'd understand why He set you apart. We reflect His light, and because it's so bright, some people are afraid of its brilliance. Sometimes fear and intimidation cause them to look away. Truth is, you will be "too much" for some people, and that's perfectly fine. Some people will never recognize what you're worth, but your value isn't diminished just because they can't see it. In fact, you are so valuable to God that He has seen fit to put you on reserve for only those who truly respect your worth, those who understand and appreciate the treasure that you are.

While God has me in hiding, I'm working to do my part to prepare for the main stage. I know that if He sees us working hard in private, He'll move to bless us in public...and our public blessings become our testimonies. Here's the key, though: I'm not working on myself for a husband. I'm working on myself FOR MYSELF, so that I can be pleasing in God's sight. If God is not pleased, then there's no point. When God sees you on the straight and narrow (or at least trying to be), He'll reward you with the desires of your heart...but it's up to you to set yourself up to receive the blessing.

Lighter Flame Burning GIF / Best Animations

Even if you're battling loneliness in your single season, you shouldn't ever feel like you have to settle for just anybody. You're not just anybody; you're everything God says you are, and there is someone out there who needs everything you have to offer. You won't be too much for the right person. Stay lit! Matthew 5:16 says, "...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (NIV). You owe it to God to shine. Don't dim your light to please anyone, and don't worry about setting qualifications for your future spouse, either. God knows exactly what and who you need. Trust that He is preserving you for a person who meets His specific qualifications for your life. His plans are always better than ours. He'll send you somebody who knows that you're His somebody, and finds value in that. Have faith that God is saving His best for you. You're more than just one person's "good thing," you're a light in a dark world, and you are lighting a path for many. You are worth the wait. Shine on.

3 comments:

  1. Once again you have delivered a well thought out and written blog.I love the transparency. You have a special way of giving your interpretation of messages thru the eyes of a young lady who is waiting on the Lord to bless you with the right man that God has ordained for you to share your life with. I applaud your determination to remain abstinent until after marriage. That's rare now days. But, just know that you are definitely worth the wait. Continue to be encouraged, He will give you the desires of your heart if you seek first the kingdom of God. Continue writing your blogs on musicmessagemessiah.com. It's blessing more people than you realize.

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    Replies
    1. I agree with Sabrina. God has gifted you with insight and wisdom. Your gift will be used for the purpose God blessed you with it for.

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  2. Once again you have delivered a well thought out and written blog.I love the transparency. You have a special way of giving your interpretation of messages thru the eyes of a young lady who is waiting on the Lord to bless you with the right man that God has ordained for you to share your life with. I applaud your determination to remain abstinent until after marriage. That's rare now days. But, just know that you are definitely worth the wait. Continue to be encouraged, He will give you the desires of your heart if you seek first the kingdom of God. Continue writing your blogs on musicmessagemessiah.com. It's blessing more people than you realize.

    ReplyDelete