I’m going to be completely honest with you right now and say that the last few months have been really trying my faith. Mostly, because I’m a single woman in my late 20s, surrounded by friends who are married, getting married, and beginning families of their own. I’m not jealous of them–I’m actually very happy for them–yet, the sadness that comes over me…is indescribable…like an overwhelming sense of loneliness.

Yet, I know I’m not alone…

Well, today, as I was studying Romans chapter 4–regarding Abraham’s faith– verses 17-21 really spoke to me:

As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”. He was appointed our father in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the non-existent things that He has foretold and promised as if they already existed. For Abraham, human reason for hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, “So numberless shall your descendents be”. He did not weaken in faith when he considered the utter impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s deadened womb. No unbelief or distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. (amplified version)

In Genesis 15, God reveals a plan to Abraham; a plan involving Abraham’s children to the fourth generation. Yet, Abraham had not one child…and he still believed. He had faith that whatever God said, would be. Then in Genesis 17 we see that God reminds Abraham of this promise again, and circumcision becomes the evidence of Abraham’s faith and God’s covenant (promise). And in chapter 21, Abraham at 100 years of age and Sarah at 90, become parents to Isaac; although, they were well past their child-bearing years!

So, what did I get out of all this? God keeps His promises.

He has the best intentions for us, even if it’s difficult for us to see. We  need to hold onto our faith and know that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20); and that in everything God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

If you’re anything like me, as you read about Abraham’s faith, you began to think about his failures, as well. I thought about Hagar, Ishmael, and the birth of Islam, as the results of Abraham and Sarah’s impatience. They tried to help God along by “getting pregnant,” but it didn’t work out as they’d expected. This too, reminded me that we need to be patient with God; His timing is perfect. If we try to do anything on our own, because we think God is moving too slowly or that He’s forgotten about us…it’s not going to work and we could have our own Ishmael on our hands.

In conclusion, just stay focused on God and the purpose for which He’s called you. One of the greatest lies out there, is that believers need to stop being God-focused and driven, and that we shouldn’t expect our partners to be godly men and women. The world says it will be easier for you to “find someone” if you lay God [and your values] aside. But the truth is…we don’t want to “find someone.” We want our relationships to be God-ordained, our spouse to be God-focused and led, and our families and marriages to be God-centered. Don’t settle for someone, when God will provide THE one.

Take care, and God bless!