But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Phil 3:7-8

My amazing sister-in-law, Krissy, lived out her single years one day at a time.  When someone once asked her if she was called to singleness, her response was, “Today I am.”  She didn’t worry about the next ten years; she trusted God for the grace to live joyfully and contentedly for that day alone, knowing that she would have everything she needed.

I’ve encountered many radiant single young women who are completely unconcerned with the disapproval and opinions of others.  They don’t get ruffled by the “singles support groups” all around them.  They aren’t shaken by the subtle pressure of friends and family members to hurry up and find a guy.  Why?  Because they understand that their bodies are living sacrifices to the King of all kings.  They have become the bondslaves of Christ.  They aren’t worried what other people think – their eyes are seeking only the applause of Heaven.  And, like Christ, they approach every circumstance in life with the knowledge that their Heavenly Father is handling the situation – their role is not to manipulate or control.  Their role is merely to yield themselves fully to Him.  And they have found great joy in this abandoned life – so much so that they truly embrace singleness as a gift, rather than resenting it as a stigma.

I’m not talking about an arrogant feministic “I don’t need a man in my life” kind of attitude.  And I’m not talking about losing all desire for marriage and family.  I’m simply talking about a joyful yielding to Jesus Christ, trusting in His perfect timing, and building your life and focus around Him rather than the pursuit of marriage.

Don’t take the advice of the modern Christian culture to “hurry up and get married already”.  Don’t be riled by the insensitivity of friends and family.  Take the advice of Paul (in 1 Cor 7) and discover the incredible opportunity awaiting you in your singleness – whether for a season or for a lifetime.  If you need a little extra encouragement for the boundless frontier that singleness can provide, just read the stories of some amazing single women who radically transformed this world for the Kingdom of God.  Some of my favorites are Gladys Aylward:  The Little Woman, Jackie Pullinger:  Chasing the Dragon, Amy Carmichael:  A Chance to Die, and Corrie ten Boom:  The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord. *