"And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." (Acts 5:40-41)

Living a godly single life includes some aspects that are not very welcome at times - lack of companionship, the denial of sexual desires, loneliness, being the odd ball in many social (and church) situations - all of which seem like suffering to many who have never been married or who have lost the companionship of a spouse. These feelings and experiences cannot be belittled, and I don't believe God ever makes light of the struggles we face. When Jesus suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, God sent His angels to minister to Him. I believe our Heavenly Father does the same for each of us when we also submit to His will for our lives as Jesus did: "Not my will, but thine be done".

The Bible reveals that God has a reason for some to be single: that they may serve Him without the distraction of a spouse (I Cor. 7:25-40). For some, singleness is for certain periods of their lives; for others, it is for a lifetime. It all depends on God's purpose for each individual. In light of eternity, whether singleness is permanent or temporary is not really important. What is important is that we fulfill God's purpose for us.

No matter what God's will is for us, it will involve suffering. It is part of the cost of following Jesus. (Please note that it will also involve peace that passes understanding, perfect love that casts out fear, and joy that no one can take away.*) The question is, what will our response be to the suffering we experience? Will we bitterly rail and rant at God for His "unfairness" to us? Or will we rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name? I daresay that in the midst of the rejoicing we will also discover the abundant life that we can have in Jesus.**

"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye.... Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." (I Peter 3:14a; 4:19)

What humble task has He presented for you to do during your time of singleness?

* See Philippians 4:7, I John 4:18, John 16:22
** See John 10:10

© Fern Horst & Kelly Tinning

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