Are Single Women Just Future Wives?
Jessalyn Hutto
Today I have the privilege of addressing the church on the topic of single women and their position as fellow soldiers of God. I’ve received a few emails from my sisters in the faith who are single and wondering where they fit into the life of the church. Hearing from my single sisters brings me great joy, because although I am married and the mother of little ones, I pray that my writing can bless those who are in other stages of life–that this gospel message I try to focus on can be equally enjoyed and treasured by those who are teens, singles, wives, mothers, empty nesters, divorcees, widows, and more. I am blessed by the fellowship of my single sisters, so thank you for your emails, comments and readership. If I can better serve you in any way, please don’t hesitate to let me know. (You can email me any time at DesiringVirtue@gmail.com)
Many single women wonder how they can best honor the Lord in this “waiting time” before marriage. They often feel as thought their ministry is on hold until they can become wives and/or mothers. The difficulty I see (and experienced myself as a single woman) is the temptation to idolize and fixate on what the Lord has not yet given–or perhaps never will. We are not privy to the Lord’s plans for our lives and therefore must trust him in the moment by moment providence he reveals to us. As singles, this means choosing to accept his loving withholding of marriage and working as diligent servants of the kingdom. If our passion is the gospel–by which we have been saved and are being transformed into the image of Christ!–then our lives must reflect it. Rather than allowing herself to be consumed with a future that may or may not come to pass, the single woman must see herself as a soldier in the army of God, whose time, talents, and energy are all meant to be sacrificed on the alter of the gospel.
Whether you are single or just wondering how you can encourage the single women in your life, church, or family, I would be honored if you would stop by Credo Magazine, where I have written a post entitled Future Wives or Soldiers of God?. I pray that it will be an encouragement to you.
photo credit: Klearchos Kapoutsis via photopin cc