There is a stigma among women today where many think ministry doesn’t begin until they are married to a “preacher.” They wait around their whole lives, praying that God would send a “good man” to them and they forget the mandate Christ gave us in the New Testament to spread the Gospel to the whole world.
Another scripture they tend to forget is 1 Corinthians 7:34, “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”
Every day we young ladies are bombarded with how we should look, dress, walk, talk, style our hair and what type of man we should marry to achieve life-long happiness. Society tries to dictate to us what should be most important. As Christians, our first and foremost responsibility should be to follow Christ and obey His word. We know from another portion of scripture that in doing so, “these things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33)
When we put God’s agenda before our own, He will add to us the things our hearts desire such as a husband or children. He is simply wanting us to be wise with our seasons of singleness.
Singleness is a unique blessing given to us in which we grow emotionally and mentally while learning to depend on God as our relationship deepens with Him. Like the scripture said, as a single person we have more time and energy to focus directly on the will of God for our lives.
Does it hurt to be alone sometimes? Yes, especially those of us who have been married before. Getting used to being alone and allowing God to fill the void in our hearts takes time and effort, something of which we might not have if we are more focused on a spouse or family.
So, knowing singleness is important, what can we as young, single women do with that singleness for God?
We can TEACH BIBLE STUDIES. Helping disciple new converts or witnessing to non-believers is one of the most rewarding things. Not only are you continuing to learn and deepen your understanding of the Word by teaching, but you are planting seeds of faith or watering others already planted so God can bring the increase. This is a sure way of laying up your treasure in heaven.
We can START SMALL GROUPS. Who doesn’t know someone who needs community and a safe place to go when they’re struggling? I know as a grown woman life is hard, especially after a divorce. Some of my healing didn’t come until I met a small group of friends who accepted me for who I was in my broken state and loved me through it.
We can VOLUNTEER in almost any capacity. Food banks, sewing circles, fundraisers, youth trips, Sunday School, nursery, praise team, etc. Being available will not only show your leadership how dedicated you are but will also show the members of your church how invested and willing you are in working with them to grow the kingdom of God.
We can BECOME EDUCATED. A close friend of mine took the small group to another level and has finished several collegiate degrees in counseling. She is working to educate the church on dealing with victims of depression, trauma, and other life-altering mental illnesses.
We can SUPPORT MISSIONS or go on missions trips. So many of our local entrepreneurs donate a percentage of their funds to help support local and foreign missionaries. Other single women go on missions trips to various places to help work that area and provide support to the missionaries they encounter. Not only does this help the missionary, but their hearts and lives are forever changed by working the field.
These things I’ve listed are certainly not the limits to what we can do as single women serving a life dedicated to Christ, but they are very good starting points for allowing God to order our steps and make known His will for us. In the process, it may lead us to that man we’ve prayed for or the family we hope to one day have, or even the job we’ve dreamed of.
Don’t let your singleness be an excuse to put making a difference on pause. If you want to be happy and live a fulfilled life right now, take the limits off God and put your spiritual work clothes on and get started adding to His kingdom, so He can add to you all the blessings He has stored up waiting for you. -Katie Davis
I’m honored to be able to share the ministry of my friend, Katie Davis. Katie attends LifePoint Pentecostal Church in Pulaski, Tennessee, pastored by Dusty and LaTasha Frierson. She is very involved there as a young minister, Worship Leader and Youth Pastor.Katie stays busy using her many talents for the Lord -teaching, preaching, speaking, writing, and studying to become a licensed UPCI Minister. -Pat Vick
You can email Katie at: Davk1227@gmail.com