Life is Good
1 Corinthians 7:8
I say to the unmarried and to widows: It is good for them if they remain as I am.
I was single for a long time before I ever married. In fact, I was 34 when I married, and we made it seven years, ten months, and one day before my husband died. I honestly believe we would still be married if he had lived, but that was just not God’s plan. Although I read this verse many times as a single person, I gained a brand new perspective as a widow. I believe God has something here for all of us.
Paul was speaking to the Corinthians about their dedication to God here. He explained that a single person can dedicate themselves fully to the work of God without the hindrance of the responsibility of caring for a mate. In the previous verses, he gave instructions on marital conduct and how spouses are to treat each other. Basically, if you can maintain self-control, you are better off being single.
A single person or a widow lives in a world that is made for couples. When most of your friends are married, you are the odd-man out or the third or fifth wheel in a gathering. Couples will gravitate toward couples because it is awkward to try to fellowship with a single person. Although it doesn’t seem fair, that is just how it is. God even called the animals into the ark two by two, male and female, with the intention of procreation after the flood. A single person or widow is without a partner in a world that seems to require another person to properly fit into society. In that event, the single woman or widow feels as if she is abnormal, deficient, or lacking in some area because she doesn’t have a husband. If this is or has ever been you, take note of Paul’s words here: it is good for you to be unmarried! There is nothing wrong with you, and you are not being punished. You are not lacking, and your situation is good.
What is wrong with you that you are not married? Absolutely nothing! This is good for you at this particular time in life. Your focus should be upon serving God and developing your relationship with Him unhindered. For some reason, God wants you all to Himself, and He is focusing upon you. Enjoy this time with Him. Should He decide to bring someone into your life to serve as a partner, you can trust that would be good, too. But, if He doesn’t, life is still good. You need not look at your marital status as a bad situation just because you are not married. It is good, so start living life as if it were good. Being single is no reason to put happiness on hold or not to enjoy this life God has given us. Life is good, including yours!
Have a blessed day!