As I grew up, the plan for my life was to get married, have kids and stay home to raise them. My Mom did that and so would I.
I dated through high school but I would surely meet THE ONE in college, then I wouldn’t have to finish because, obviously, we would be married right away, have a couple kids, I would stay home, eat bonbons and live happily ever after.
That’s just what girls did and I couldn’t wait.
God changed that plan. Well, as usual, His plan is always a tad different than our own.
“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
A dear friend of mine is a wonderfully amazing single woman. For 35 years she has remained faithful to God’s plans for her life…remaining true to His Biblical standards for a single person; growing in her faith, serving God with her time and abilities, remaining morally pure and finding contentment in her singleness.
She is one of the strongest, Godliest and wisest women I know. To me, a married mother of four, my friend seems to have it all. She can do whatever she chooses with her time, has a great job and resources that allow her to travel and give freely… and yet the greatest desire of her heart is to find the man God has planned for her.
Because she, like me and so many other women, know one of the simplest and most basic desires and purpose for mankind.
“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply…'” Genesis 1:27-28
“Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’ For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:18, 24
But God just hasn’t brought ‘THE ONE’ to her.
A couple years ago a single dad, and his son, moved into the area and began attending our church. We all became fast friends and even began serving together in ministry. I swear, a resounding “Hmmmm…re-he-he-ally?!!” could have been heard when some of us realized he was single. My friend and he got along very well…they seemed a perfect fit and even other people noticed, however nothing seemed to come of it.
“Is he just oblivious?” Some asked.
“Does he not have similar feelings?” Questioned others.
None of it made any sense. It seemed so clear. Such a great match.
Then we received news that he would be moving back home – states away – and it would be happening immediately. It literally knocked the wind out of me and I can only imagine what it did to my friend.
We were supposed to meet at my house, our small group women and I, the night he stopped by to tell us the sad news, but schedules changed and the meeting was canceled. Had the gals and I met…my friend would have surely been here when he stopped.
God protected her heart.
Undoubtedly there were tears and still are, but what seems so sad can also be seen as blessing.
Had something more intimate started between them, this parting would have been infinitely more difficult. Besides, he is moving back home…back to where he and his son came from…back to where more family is… his parents AND his son’s mother.
Perhaps this is God’s plan of protection for my friend or His plan of reconciliation for a family. We can’t know the mind of our Creator or the plan He has for our lives but Scripture shows us time and again that God knows our struggles…
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
And if we boldly go before Him, offering up our heart’s desire, He will hear…
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38
But still, it hurts.
I Spy God 