Single? How God can help

1 Corinthians 7:7-8 - “I wish everyone could get along without marrying, just as I do. But we are not all the same. God gives some the gift of marriage, and to others he gives the gift of singleness. Now I say to those who aren't married, and to widows – it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am.”

I have been single for quite awhile.

I think in the back of every single woman's mind, there are times she wishes she could find the right one. Despite the trials and tribulations that sometimes come with being married, there are joys as well. As humans, we all crave human contact and touch.

According to Paul in Corinthians 1, sometimes God gives the gift of singleness.

I have to wonder if this doesn't apply to me. Obviously, my past relationships have not worked out. Maybe I am one of those that are meant to be single.

God speaks to us in different ways. I think he has already spoke to me regarding my marital status.

I'd like to think that it's just not meant to be for now. I have no desire to rush into a relationship with someone that's not meant for me. In fact, I don't even want to get emotionally involved with someone unless they are the one that God has sent to me. Bad relationships hurt. Relationships that end up not being right, hurt.

There are times though, I wonder if God doesn't plan for me to spend the rest of my life alone. Although I hope this is not the case.

Personally, right now I don't even know if I am ready to give that kind of commitment to anyone. As a single homeschooling parent, my focus is on my children and providing for us. I've been through a lot, and I don't think that now is the time to date. When the time is right though, I will be ready to treat that man like he should be treated. Love, respect, honor, and commitment are all very important to me.

This is something that I pray about a lot. It's important to me. Entering into any type of relationship would effect not only me, but my children as well. God knows all of us better than anyone. He knows what's best for us. We only have to ask. There isn't anyway I could enter into a relationship without God's help. You better believe I would be praying about it, asking if this is right for my family.

Some may ask what Paul meant by saying that. I feel like I have some clarity and understanding about it. As a married person, many times your focus is on your spouse. Sometimes, you have to deal with feelings and emotions that you wouldn't have single. When you are single, you are able to focus your attention on God. That's what Paul did.

If you are a single mom that is feeling lonely, pray about it. Ask for God to send you the right person. Ask for God to make you a better person so you can be the type of wife this future man will need. We've all played parts in our past relationships. Realize the things you may have done wrong and ask for forgiveness for them. Be patient. If you choose to date, don't jump into bed with them. Once you cross that line, it can really muddle things up.

Finding the right church really helps. Just being around others, sharing your faith is a blessing in itself. Maybe especially more for single moms. I don't have the benefit of having my family close by, so attending and interacting with church makes me happy.

When the time is right, God is going to send the right person in your life. What you choose to do with that is up to you. My advice for finding the right man? Find a man that loves God. A man that truly takes his faith seriously. If he's got God moving in his heart, he's not going to be out there cheating on you or disrespecting you.

Remember Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

*I wanted to add a note on here about the Pastor T.D. Jakes. He's a wonderful pastor that seems to have a calling on reaching out to women. His preaching has helped me get through many things. I purchased his version of the Holy Bible, Woman Thou Art Loosed. In it, he's got notes and pages addressing issues women today face. It's wonderful. I've read many of his books, and he's hit right to the heart of the matter. If you are interested in his books at a very affordable price, check out this title on www.BookCloseouts.com