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HEARTS OF FIRE #2
C H R I S T I N E H O W A R D
There definitely seems to be a stigma for singles in theworld today, that if you are of a certain age and you arestill not married, then something must be wrong withyou. Well, I want to tell you right now that is a lie fromthe enemy. I know it is tough for many Christiansingles who are seeking mates, because it often seemslike the dating pool is so small for us. So many peopleare feeling discouraged, and some may have evengiven up hope, but how many of you know that weserve a BIG GOD and nothing is impossible for Him! When you come into the family of God, yes, the datingpool gets a lot smaller because God has set you apart,for His purposes, and because He doesn’t want Hissons and daughters to be matched up with justanyone. The Bible is very clear in 2 Corinthians 6:14,that we should NOT be seeking mates that areunbelievers. The verse states, “Do not be yokedtogether with unbelievers. For what do righteousnessand wickedness have in common? Or what fellowshipcan light have with darkness?”. When God brings twoHoly Spirit filled, born again believers together inmarriage, it is ultimately for the advancement of HisKingdom, and for your marriage to exemplify - onearth - the divine marriage union between Christ andHis Bride, the Church.
If you are a single Christian right now and you aredesiring a Godly spouse, no matter what your age,first and foremost - pray. Ask the Lord to prepareyour hearts to come together at just the right time,and to prepare you to be the wife or husband He’scalled you to be. Stand on God’s Word, and havefaith believing what it says in Mark 11:24, “Therefore Isay to you, whatever things you ask when you pray,believe that you receive them, and you will havethem”. I think it is important when we pray for thethings that we desire, we do as Matthew 6:33 says,“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and hisrighteousness; and all these things shall be addedunto you”. I believe that the more we put God at theforefront of our decisions and keep Him first in ourlives, He will add to us everything that we need, andthat includes a spouse if you are desiring one. It isalso a good idea to act on your faith if you arebelieving for a spouse. You may be waiting on theLord, but He may be waiting on you to put your faithinto action. He can’t bring you someone if you neverleave your house, and if you do not go out and meetlike-minded people. The first thing I wouldrecommend, as the Lord leads you, is to go whereyou know other Christians hang out; like churchservices, conferences, and Christian concerts.
It is also a great idea to involve yourself in thingssuch as outreaches or go on mission trips. Sometimes it is just a matter of going outside ofyour normal routine and attending a church service,conference, or an event out of state. I believe it isalways important for us to keep an open mindbecause we may have a certain ‘type’ of person inour mind, but God may have someone for you thatmight look completely different, and could be from atotally different state or even country. The mostimportant thing for us to do is to seek God’s willabove our own particular wants and desires. Ourdesires should always line up with God’s desires. Ofcourse, when you do it God’s way, His plan and whatHe has for you will always be exceedingly, above andbeyond anything you could ask or think, as it says inEphesians 3:20. Trust that He knows what is best foryou.
Wherever you find yourself at this present momentas a single, be happy and content with where Godhas you right now. Take the time to really grow inyour relationship with Him. Your relationship withGod is the most important relationship you will everhave, so it is crucial to really cultivate and grow inthat relationship. Build that solid foundation withHim so that you are rooted and grounded in youridentity in Christ, so when He eventually brings aspouse into your life, you are not looking to them tofulfill your needs but to God. Be patient, knowingthat the Lord knows best what you need and whenyou need it. Continue to seek His perfect will inregards to your next steps personally, and how Hewould like you to grow in your personal relationshipwith Him. What can you do to further advance HisKingdom as a single? As you continue to pursueGod first, His Kingdom, and His righteousness, andmake Him your priority, He will add to youeverything that you need.
14 HOPE IS NOW
HEARTS OF FIRE #2
C H R I S T I N E H O W A R D
There definitely seems to be a stigma for singles in theworld today, that if you are of a certain age and you arestill not married, then something must be wrong withyou. Well, I want to tell you right now that is a lie fromthe enemy. I know it is tough for many Christiansingles who are seeking mates, because it often seemslike the dating pool is so small for us. So many peopleare feeling discouraged, and some may have evengiven up hope, but how many of you know that weserve a BIG GOD and nothing is impossible for Him! When you come into the family of God, yes, the datingpool gets a lot smaller because God has set you apart,for His purposes, and because He doesn’t want Hissons and daughters to be matched up with justanyone. The Bible is very clear in 2 Corinthians 6:14,that we should NOT be seeking mates that areunbelievers. The verse states, “Do not be yokedtogether with unbelievers. For what do righteousnessand wickedness have in common? Or what fellowshipcan light have with darkness?”. When God brings twoHoly Spirit filled, born again believers together inmarriage, it is ultimately for the advancement of HisKingdom, and for your marriage to exemplify - onearth - the divine marriage union between Christ andHis Bride, the Church.
If you are a single Christian right now and you aredesiring a Godly spouse, no matter what your age,first and foremost - pray. Ask the Lord to prepareyour hearts to come together at just the right time,and to prepare you to be the wife or husband He’scalled you to be. Stand on God’s Word, and havefaith believing what it says in Mark 11:24, “Therefore Isay to you, whatever things you ask when you pray,believe that you receive them, and you will havethem”. I think it is important when we pray for thethings that we desire, we do as Matthew 6:33 says,“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and hisrighteousness; and all these things shall be addedunto you”. I believe that the more we put God at theforefront of our decisions and keep Him first in ourlives, He will add to us everything that we need, andthat includes a spouse if you are desiring one. It isalso a good idea to act on your faith if you arebelieving for a spouse. You may be waiting on theLord, but He may be waiting on you to put your faithinto action. He can’t bring you someone if you neverleave your house, and if you do not go out and meetlike-minded people. The first thing I wouldrecommend, as the Lord leads you, is to go whereyou know other Christians hang out; like churchservices, conferences, and Christian concerts.
It is also a great idea to involve yourself in thingssuch as outreaches or go on mission trips. Sometimes it is just a matter of going outside ofyour normal routine and attending a church service,conference, or an event out of state. I believe it isalways important for us to keep an open mindbecause we may have a certain ‘type’ of person inour mind, but God may have someone for you thatmight look completely different, and could be from atotally different state or even country. The mostimportant thing for us to do is to seek God’s willabove our own particular wants and desires. Ourdesires should always line up with God’s desires. Ofcourse, when you do it God’s way, His plan and whatHe has for you will always be exceedingly, above andbeyond anything you could ask or think, as it says inEphesians 3:20. Trust that He knows what is best foryou.
Wherever you find yourself at this present momentas a single, be happy and content with where Godhas you right now. Take the time to really grow inyour relationship with Him. Your relationship withGod is the most important relationship you will everhave, so it is crucial to really cultivate and grow inthat relationship. Build that solid foundation withHim so that you are rooted and grounded in youridentity in Christ, so when He eventually brings aspouse into your life, you are not looking to them tofulfill your needs but to God. Be patient, knowingthat the Lord knows best what you need and whenyou need it. Continue to seek His perfect will inregards to your next steps personally, and how Hewould like you to grow in your personal relationshipwith Him. What can you do to further advance HisKingdom as a single? As you continue to pursueGod first, His Kingdom, and His righteousness, andmake Him your priority, He will add to youeverything that you need.
APRIL 2021 • HOPEISNOWMAGAZINE.COM 15
