The Strength Found in Waiting: Learning Patience

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:2-4)

As a single Christian woman, waiting can feel like an active, burdensome challenge rather than a peaceful state of being. I remember during a season of waiting in my life when the thought of marriage felt more like a distant dream than a tangible reality. Amid life's complexities—ranging from career aspirations to personal growth—I often wondered, “Is anything ever going to happen?”

One afternoon, I sat on my couch, flipping through the pages of my well-loved Bible. I stumbled upon James 1:2-4, and it felt as if the words leapt off the page. The call to count my struggles as joy began to resonate deeply within me. I realized that each moment of waiting wasn’t a void but rather a transformative process. For during this waiting, God was patiently working in my heart and building my character.

Patience Produces Perseverance

Patience isn't just about enduring the wait; it’s about the strength that comes from it. Every challenge faced cultivates resilience, shaping us into stronger individuals, equipped for what lies ahead. With every unsent wedding invitation and missed date, there’s an underlying invitation to lean into our relationship with God. He’s asking us to trust His timing and to believe wholeheartedly that His plans for us are good.

Here’s how you can embrace patience and see your character strengthened:

• Reflect on God’s Promises: Remind yourself of the promises in Scripture like Jeremiah 29:11, where God assures us that He has plans to prosper us.

• Practice Gratitude: Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. This practice helps you focus on all that God is doing, even in the waiting.

• Stay Active in Your Singleness: Use this time to grow in your faith, explore new hobbies, and develop friendships that encourage you spiritually.

Embracing the Journey

Patience does not mean passively waiting; it means actively embracing the journey God has for us. The waiting period can actually be the most fruitful season of life, filled with opportunities for growth. It isn’t merely about becoming the women we are meant to be for our future spouses but about becoming the women God has called us to be.

So, dear sister, let us remember: patience is an art form, honed through life’s challenges, painting a masterpiece of faith, trust, and strength within us.

Reflection Prompt: What are you currently waiting for in your life? How can you take active steps this week to embrace patience and trust in God’s timing?