Simply Captivating

"Man's love is of a man's life a thing apart

'Tis a woman's whole existence." -Byron

The more I read this quote, the stronger the truth rings out. What is it about women that make us long so dearly for love. Between having conversations with my sister and my friends I have had countless chats regarding boys, love, God's plan for love and our lives, and so much more. ALL ABOUT LOVE. To girls, we think of finding that perfect someone, our Mr. Right if you will, as being our "be all end all." This is not a biblical view, despite being one held by the majority of our culture today. Think about it, if you know someone who is over 25 and not married -or at least headed in the direction of marriage-perhaps uncontrollably, you think to yourself, "What's wrong with them?" How sad is that, we judge the person for something that is completely out of their reach. Throughout the Bible, celibacy is condoned and even held high in God's eyes.

Take a look at 1 Corinthians 7:8 which reads, "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do." Paul was writing this concerning his vow to remain unmarried, a command he received from God. I know what some are thinking at the moment, Paul was a man and everyone obviously knows that boys are different from girls. This is true, but after starting to read the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, I have realized how perfectly men and women and our desires fit together, something that only God could have designed.

One of my dear friends also brought this verse to my attention, 1 Corinthians 7:34 "His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. "

Have you ever thought of being single in such a way? That is is not a curse but a blessing? I know my view has changed every since reading this verse and realizing that I am able to focus fully on God. I do not have to fret about being a good wife, obeying my husband AND God, having children, balancing my children, husband AND God. For me, I can think only of GOD. What a blessing! I strive to eat up every day I have as a single woman who can focus fully on Him.

It is so encouraging to read about how God planned every detail, so why on earth should I worry about who I will marry, or even who I will date. My life is in HIS hands, and I am so relieved that I do not have make my own destiny. Aren't you?