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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 HCSB
Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks for everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 HCSB
"Tis the season to be jolly," as the song says – and for many I suppose that's true. But for some, this time of year is filled with loneliness, pain, heartache, and sadness. I know for me, as I walked through the mall this weekend, I felt sad and I guess a little sorry for myself. As I saw families shopping together, holding hands and kissing – and parents taking their children to visit Santa – I was reminded again – "I'm still single. I'm not married. I don't have a husband and I don't have kids." All of which I desire.
This is most definitely not the life I had imagined for myself at 34 (soon to be 35). What I had imagined was that by the time I was 35 I would be happily married and well on my way to building my family with kids of my own. I envisioned holiday seasons filled with my "own" family traditions. I never imagined I would still be single. For some reason, it's at this time of year when I find myself most thinking of what I don't have instead of what I do have.
However, I've had a heavy dose of reality this week. My sister just shared with me the sad news of two of her friend's husbands who both lost their jobs this week. One of them is the sole bread winner and a father of 5. My associate Pastor shared on Sunday the tragic death of one of his best friends who died in a car accident this past week. And my mom was hospitalized this weekend after suffering for 2 months in pain with an illness the doctor's are unable to diagnose. It's this kind of stuff that makes it hard to be jolly.
Yet in reading God's word and trusting Him I know God is working all things for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. It just may not always seem so. It's the times of heartbreak, tragedy, disappointment and frustration I wonder, "What good can come of it." But this verse gives the answer: whatever God permits to come into my life (and yours) is designed to conform me (and you) to the image of His Son – Jesus Christ.
Not that everything that happens is good – but no matter what it is, God is able to turn it around. He's not working to make us happy, but to fulfill His purpose. Unfortunately, this promise is not for everyone – it is only for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. I hope you are one of those.
As I study God's word He is constantly revealing new truths to me. It's an ongoing process. Recently the issue I've struggled with the most is finding contentment in "All Things" and in "Everything". I long to be like Paul when he says in his letter to the Philippians "I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." (Philippians 4:11 HCSB)
I know my situation doesn't even begin to compare to those who are truly suffering right now. Not just those I mentioned above, but so many across this country and across the world – who are truly suffering – lacking basic necessities like food, drink, clothes, a roof over their head – or those who have no family, no job, no money – or what about those who are persecuted and are suffering for their faith in Christ. As I have prayed about these things and asked God to help those who are in need, to let me be a light to those who need to know His love and to show me how to be content whatever circumstances I am in, there is this stirring inside of me. God is changing me and my perspective.
I don't want to live a life of "wanting more." I want to live a life of true joy – not just temporary happiness. I know that joy can be a constant experience even in the most adverse circumstances when Christ is the subject and source of my joy and Christ is in control of the circumstances. I know that. But doing it everyday is another thing. It truly is my desire to know this kind of joy. And with God I know anything is possible.
I am trusting my emotions less and trusting God more. I love the Lord with all my heart and with all my soul. I want to honor and please Him with all that I am. I want to praise Him with not just my words, but with my life. I want giving thanks to God to become instinctive and second nature to me. If Romans 8:28 is true – and I believe it is – then we should be able to praise the Lord at all times, in all circumstances and for everything. Good and bad alike. I want this more than anything.
As I take inventory of my life – I know I am so richly blessed. I am so thankful for so many things – from my family and friends, my boyfriend, my church, my job, my health, my dog – to simply my life as it is. I realize it might not be the life I imagined but I do know it is the life God has planned for me.
What kind of life has God planned for you? It might not be what you thought it would be or what you wanted, but it is His plan after all – not ours. I hope you too will take inventory of your life and instead of focusing of what you don't have - you will focus on what you do have. Praise God for all your many blessings. Make a list of them so you can refer back to it when you find yourself feeling sad and alone. It is my prayer God will show me and you how to find contentment in "All Things" and in "Everything". Won't you pray this prayer with me?
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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