Many people view being single as just a waiting period before marriage. That we have to be single for a certain amount of time before God will give us “the one” and then suddenly we live happily ever after with our spouse. The truth is, life does not begin or end with a marriage, or relationship. You are not automatically completed by having some significant other.
Being single is not some burden. You should not spend this time searching for someone to love you. My young adult pastor said, “don’t lower your expectations, lengthen your patience” when it comes to marriage. Do not settle for less than you deserve just because you want to be in a relationship. You should embrace your singleness and use this time to grow as a person and in your faith.
You cannot expect someone to love you until you love yourself. And you cannot expect someone to complete you when God is the only being that can fill your empty spaces. Colossians 2:10 reads: “and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.”
In this time of being single, I have learned more about myself than I ever have before. I am stronger, wiser, and happier. I know what is good for me and what I can live without. I am learning to manage my emotions and my anxiety. I am learning to love myself fully, without depending on someone else to hold me up. And I am growing closer to God. I am seeing more of His work every day and I strive to allow Him to fill all of my empty spaces. Instead of spending my time on a significant other, I am spending it with the people I love and learning more about my God.
Trusting God’s plan can be the hardest thing you may ever face, but I can assure you that His way is much greater than anything you could ever plan for yourself. Matthew 6:33 reads: “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” So, spend this time of singleness focusing on God and His plan for you. Everything else will fall in place.