Subscription Lists
Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
Jeremiah 32:38-41 NIV (emphasis mine)
My how time flies. I started writing this column over two years ago with the purpose of writing about living the Christian life as a single person – hence the title "Single Minded." However, along the journey I began to realize that while I am a single woman, God was using me and this column to speak to people from all walks of life, all around the world, and in many different seasons of life – not just singles. The title "Single Minded" took on a new life and I saw God using the original title of "Single Minded" to help me in being solely focused on Christ and to communicate this focus to others.
"Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is." Amy Carmichael
As I approach 2006 I am grateful for the opportunity to write this column. I am so incredibly blessed and humbled in how God has revealed things to me and through me in this column.
But here I am two years later and still single. For those of you who've been following me for these last couple of years, you have probably noticed through my writings that while still single - it is my desire to marry. You may have also noticed that I've faced a roller coaster of trials and tribulations in these two years of writings – like broken relationships and lost jobs.
I know I'm not alone in this ride. All of us have faced obstacles and we will continue to do so as long as we are walking this earth in our fleshly suits.
John 15:18-19 NASB
But as long as we remain focused on Him, we will have peace - the kind of peace that transcends all understanding.
John 16:33 NASB
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Despite all these things, God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. I've grown. I've been pruned. I've seen mountain tops and valleys. I've learned to hear His voice in ways I never believed possible.
As I have focused on Him more and more, I've come to see Him not only as my Lord and Savior, but also as my friend.
James 2:23 NASB
And more importantly – He's become my husband.
the LORD Almighty is his name—
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth.
Isaiah 54:5 NIV
He has adored me as His bride.
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10 NIV
He calls me beautiful.
honor him, for he is your lord.
Psalm 45:11 NIV
I am so madly, deeply, and passionately in love with Him. I can't wait to see what He has in store for me. God has called me to the greatest love affair of my life. He has promised He will ALWAYS be available to me, no matter what time of day or night. He never falls asleep: never travels away on business: never is in a hurry. He has all the time in the world - just to spend with me! I want to spend time at His feet and listen to His every word.
I share these things with you – not to say "I'm special and God has all this planned for me and me alone." Instead, I share these things with you as a gift. I want you to know that God wants to be your friend, too. He wants to be your husband. He has adored all believers as His bride with a robe of righteousness. He loves you so much that He gave His very life for you (bride/church Ephesians 5:22-33). He calls you beautiful! He wants to have a personal relationship with you. All you have to do is reach out with openness, honesty and a sincere desire deep within, and ask Him to come into your heart and love you like you've never been loved before.
It is my prayer for each and every one of you – that in 2006 you too will desire "singleness of heart" and begin an amazing and passionate love affair with your Creator – the one who calls you friend.
May the New Year be blessed beyond your wildest imagination!
Rate it:
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.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Single Minded" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.