Becoming His Masterpiece.

Being single has it’s ups and downs, but it’s a beautiful journey that can be a wonderful time of growth. During this time we can prepare ourselves through Christ to have a Christ-centered marriage. I recently read Andy Stanley’s book “The New Rules of Love, Sex, and Dating”. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Andy is so conversational in his writings and his explanation of the love chapter (1 Corinthians 14:4-7) is really eye opening. I love his point of “becoming the person you are looking for is looking for.” So if you are looking for someone who is unselfish, then maybe you should first look at yourself and see if you are unselfish. If you find that you are, maybe that’s something you could work on. While reading that book, I noticed some things about myself that needed changing and hopefully because of that my future marriage will be blessed.

{Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.}

1Corinthians 13:4-7 MSG

Another thing that is prevalent during this season of singleness is to enjoy our lives in the present. It is fun to dream, but we need to pay attention to the things God has generously placed right in front of us. Something that is right in front of us and always has been is Jesus. He is the only one who will satisfy our deepest desires. During our season of singleness we have the opportunity to worship and live for him more fully! Let’s not waste this great gift God has placed before us. Instead let us fall more in love with the One who gave it all for us so that we could know him more fully and live with him forever.

God writes amazing stories. And even better…amazing love stories. The best love story is between a glorious King and a broken soul. Through our brokenness, He has the ability to shine through us and let His glory be magnified.

“…like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure…” {2Corinthians 4:7b}

Let’s hand over the pens of our love stories to the only one who can finish them more beautifully than we ever could have imagined.

Thank you, Jesus, for hearing my cry of needing Your Love and Your Grace.