The things I will start sharing with you today, are some of the things the Lord has taught me over the years about singleness as a Christian woman who wants to eventually get married. Let's just get this out of the way, first: There's nothing wrong with desiring to be married. Just don't be desperate about it. God Himself said it was "not good" for man to be alone. In fact, that's the first time we see the phrase, "not good" in the Bible after He had described every other thing as "good".
I am so excited to share this because these have been in my "belly" for so long. Think of a baby in a woman's woman, growing, forming and waiting to be delivered. That's exactly how it has been for me. So if you are a single woman, I'll like you to sit back and dive in with me because I believe the Lord wants you to read this.
The lessons we will be looking at in the Bible come from three main stories: the story of Adam and Eve, the story of Ruth and the story of Esther. If you are not single but you are reading this, I'll equally want you to stick with us because there's definitely something in here for everyone. Let's dive in, shall we?
LESSON 1: THERE IS A FORMATION PERIOD
In the Bible, we see how God prepares a woman for marriage. Right from the book of Genesis in chapter 2:
21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God MADE a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
Did you notice how I emphasised the "MADE"? "Formed" and "fashioned" are other words for made. There is always a period when the Lord fashions a woman for her man. He builds you, molds you, shapes you into the right form. I call this "the formation period".
We see this again in the book of Esther:
Before a young woman's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of BEAUTY TREATMENTS prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. Esther 2: 12
The "beauty treatments" literally means their bodies were beautified before they could go into the king. Even though that ancient practice had hiccups, our focus today is not on that. Our focus is on that "beautifying period" that takes place before you meet your king. For Esther, it took twelve months. For you, it may take more or less depending on your circumstances.
In both stories of Eve and Esther, the formation/beautifying process was something done to their physical bodies. But this symbolises something much more than that. It symbolises how the Lord shapes a woman's character, values and her heart before taking her to the man He has prepared for her.
If you want to get into marriage God's way, don't underestimate the formation period. It is a time to be lowly and learn. It is a time to dig deep into God's word and find yourself in it. It is a time to work on your tongue and develop strength in character. It is also a time to work on your outward appearance because "man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart."
Next Tuesday, we will learn about the role of mentorship from the stories of Ruth and Esther. Be sure to check back then.
God's blessings to you!
Seraph says
This will be interesting, Patiently waiting
Precious says
Okay bro.
Bola says
This promises to be interesting, would follow to the end. Bless you Precious.
Precious says
Bless you too, hun.
Larrypat says
I love this message,Keep it up Precious,i discovered your blog months but commenting for the first time.
Precious says
Yay for commenting, Larrypat!
Hope to see more of you, dear.
Kewrites says
lol@man looks at the outward appearance...
Precious says
No be so?
brenda says
Good post girl.. Rich.
You only wrote this for women, marriage is for both men and women... Truth is, men too should be properly educated with the word of God on marriage.
I love the way you write Precious. Choice of words/diction is commendable.
Precious says
You are right, Brenda. I think men too should be properly educated on these issues.
However, I think it would be unfair for me to write something for the men which I don't have mastery of. Still, I write for them every now and then. This particular series is targeted at the ladies.
Thanks darling!
Amaka says
Interesting. See why I call you "blog mummy". Thank you.
Precious says
Aww you're welcome, my dear.
Arrey Echi says
the singles have their day. I hope there'll be a part B which focuses on the men more. And yes, before we take the plunge into matrimony, we have to prepare well. Thanks for highlighting that.
http://www.joy2endure.com
Precious says
I think it will be apt for a man to write for the men, don't you think sis?
trendwithgloria.com says
Wow love how you translate the waiting period. Can't wait to read the part two.
trendwithgloria.com
Precious says
Thanks for swinging by, Gloria. Part two will be next Tuesday.
Itunu says
Loveet!
You're right. It's not bad when we desire marriage. Like every good thing that God made, it's beautiful but where some people have often missed it is in believing it can solve all the problems that you experienced as a single. That's where God has been teaching me to draw the line. In realizing that I am whole and complete in Christ Jesus and I find satisfaction in Him, I can submit my desires at His feet for all things are for His glory.
Interesting lessons Precious! Keep it coming 🙂
Precious says
So true, Itunu! Marriage doesn't make a single person's problems go away. When we understand that we are whole and complete in Christ, we approach marriage more positively.
Thanks for sharing, dear. It's always a pleasure to read from you.
Damiloves says
Thanks for highlighting this. It is important to enjoy the lessons our seasons in life teach us, as opposed to rushing to the next milestone. Sometimes being too eager causes us to miss the beauty that is before our eyes. Excited for next weeks lesson. ?
Does God hate feminists?
Precious says
So true, Dami.
It is important to revel in each season of life so we don't miss our lessons therein.
Yvonne says
I Love this post dear.
http://www.okoroyvonne.com
Precious says
Glad you do, dear.
Funke Olotu says
Don’t underestimate the formation period - this is ringing in my head and the post came at the right time!
Thanks for this and my other name is Ruth also ??
http://www.funkeolotu.com
Precious says
Oh wow! I love that name, Ruth!!
Anne says
What a rich teaching. I can't wait to read the other one.