Although I am new in the chosen walk of singleness, I wanted to share the things I am learning on this pathway. I feel that is what this book is supposed to be all about; walking this new path together and sharing experiences and life lessons along the way. So let’s get started!
In church service Sunday last, I realized while we were singing the ‘same old hymns’ that they held a new meaning, well maybe new isn’t the right word. Perhaps it should be refreshed. They held a refreshing for my spirit that I hadn’t felt in quite a while. But when I began thinking about it after service I realized it wasn’t just the hymns that had been refreshed – it was my heart. Because as we sang the words of ‘Trust And Obey’ I knew that I was actually living the words that I was singing. And the words of ‘I’ll Go Where YOU Want Me TO Go’ felt fresher than the very first time I had hear them – seven years ago. And I have been more open in living these words, too.
It wasn’t that I was openly rebellious and turning away from God before; I just hadn’t heard His voice on the matters of my heart, only my own desires. But when I heard His voice I was able to TRULY lay down my heart’s desires and CHOOSE His. It was very freeing. I am listening to the voice of my Beloved with renewed faith and patience – not always easy, I assure you, but very fulfilling.
Another thing I am learning is that a friendship with Christian Brothers is possible. In fact true brothers are looking for true sisters to be FRIENDS with. They are standing back with eyes open to see which of us are looking for real friends or mates. Some of our brothers are also walking along the pathway of ‘serving in singleness’ with Jesus. And as such they are willing and wanting to be our friends. Not just the ‘acquaintances’ of their fellowship in the body, but true friendship – to be a help in times of need for those who may not have family to do [or who are willing/able] those manly repairs that need to be done. This was a very freeing and VERY new experience for me, too!
Let me explain here. I have been in the process of buying my first home. Well I have put an offer on a place that has a few repairs that need to be done that I can’t, or at least shouldn’t, do. There is a brother in our church who had come over to my apartment with our pastors to move a couple of TV’s for me. I was so thankful that I made him one of his favorite dishes, rice pudding. Sunday I mentioned that we had just made a counter offer on the house and were waiting for the bank to make a decision. This dear brother got my attention and said to me; ‘Leigh, if you get the house don’t be afraid to ask me to come to help you to make the repairs. I would like to help you, besides I can always use some rice pudding.’
I was not only blessed, but truly surprised. This man is usually so quiet, for him to offer this service to me was a great opening of my eyes. He was offering not only his help, but also his friendship. What a wonderful blessing! Thank You, Jesus! This offer of friendship could only happen when I finally laid down my life to follow Jesus in this new way.
When we have finally come to the ‘end of ourselves’ and truly chosen to live the life Jesus has called us to, we can sing the words of the hymn ‘I’ll Go Where YOU Want Me TO Go’ with a newness of heart and the faith that we can live out the words we are singing. I will share the words with you here:
It may not be on the mountain’s height, or over the stormy sea; It may not be at the battles front my Lord may have need of me; but if by a still small voice He calls to paths I do not know, I’ll answer, dear Lord with my hand in Thine, I’ll go where You want me to go.
Perhaps today there lovely words which Jesus would have me to speak; there may be now, in the paths of sin, some wanderer whom I should seek. Oh Savior if Thou wilt be my guide, though dark and rugged the way, my voice shall echo the message sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say.
There’s surely somewhere a lowly place in earth’s harvest so wide, where I may labor through life’s short day for Jesus the Crucified. So, trusting my ALL unto thy care, I know Thou lovest me! I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere; I’ll be what You want me to be.
I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain, or plain or sea; I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be!*
*Written by Mary Brown and Carrie E. Rousefell; printed in Melodies of Praise, Gospel Publishing House, USA. 1957
Before Jesus showed me a glimpse of the why behind my singleness, I found it a heavy burden to bear. It was like some strange disease, a plague if you will, that I had to find a cure for. There just had to be a ‘man’ out there that was the answer to my prayer, the cure for all that seemed wrong in my life. I was stressed day and night; my joy level was falling and falling faster each day.
Then in stepped Jesus. He graciously showed me a picture of part of the reason why I needed to remain single – and in rushed sweet PEACE!
It was just like Jesus had said so long ago in Matthew 11:28-30, KJV:
Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. [Italics added are mine for emphasis.]
When we walk in the fullness of the yoke with Jesus, He takes up the weight of the load and lets us bear the lighter half. The Old Testament bears out this example in the natural realm in Ecclesiastes 4:11-12, NIV:
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. [Italics added are mine for emphasis.]
When I think of this verse in Ecclesiastes in light of my new chosen position in Jesus I have a picture of Him sitting on His throne with his arm open wide calling us to sit in His lap. There He can keep us warm and safe; protected from the stormy blasts that are sure to assail us along the way. And in this position we will never be alone, for we will be so wrapped up in Jesus and He in us we will truly know what it is to be ONE with Him. What a wonderful position to be in! t is a position I am looking forward to exploring more fully. Are you ready for this new and exciting journey?
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