Praying for a Mate: Struggling with Being Single

Think for a second about the kinds of struggles single Christians go through every day, trying to live an upright life amidst all the temptations of this dynamic world. Simply put, being single as a Christian can be an uphill task. How do you handle your everyday life with all its pressures as a God-fearing single person?

Have you lately passed by a busy street only to see a nicely decorated car with a sign saying “just married” as the newlywed occupants smile and look tenderly into each other’s eyes? It must have sent mixed feelings of happiness and sadness down your spine in equal measure.

Through such experiences, you can learn a lot about yourself and your relationship with God. Slowly your heart and mind start to open to God’s purpose for your life and what the Bible says about being single.

As you go through life with the hope and faith that God will turn the page for you on being single, take note of the following biblical lessons on your situation:

1. You Have Enough Time to Grow Spiritually and Emotionally as a Single Person

Sometimes being hasty to get into a relationship can create an unconscious bias and flawed decision making as a result of not being spiritually and emotionally prepared. Challenges may distance you from God, leaving you a weak Christian. 

By taking time, you not only grow physically but mentally and spiritually as well. This season of progressive maturity is vital.

2. There Is a Divine Purpose in Your Season of Loneliness

What do you think is the essence of being single? Most definitely it is to grow closer to God.

While single, use the extra time, energy, and resources that you would have otherwise spent in a dating relationship to serve God wholeheartedly. That phase of your life is there on purpose to allow you enough space to build your foundation in God. Use it appropriately. 

The enemy is always trying to find a weak link in your life to attack you. Ensure you are set on a firm foundation in God through the following ways:  

• Being actively involved in church
• Cultivating your life around the perfect will of God
• Diving into a solid and intimate relationship with God
• Always praying without ceasing and humbly asking for guidance 

 3. God's Timing Is Perfect—Don’t Rush

Use your time while single to cultivate your faith in God. Trust in His timing and allow Him to guide your footsteps, and in the fullness of time He shall establish you.

The Bible, Jeremiah 29:11 states:

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

God has good plans for you; be patient and trust the process!

 4. Love and Enjoy the Season You're in While in It

As a Christian, you understand that marriage was ordained by God. Don’t rush to it, but rather enjoy your status as you serve God and remain faithful that, in the fullness of time, His will shall be manifested in your life.

Enjoy every moment of your service to God while single, strive to be a role model in society, and always pray that God uses you at every step as a vessel for His glory.

Conclusively, in Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible states:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust God in every stage of your life and serve Him diligently, and He shall surely elevate you beyond human understanding.