Ten years ago, I found myself single and pregnant. With fear strapped to my leg like a chain, all I could think of was a future as an unwed mother. My daughter’s father, my boyfriend at the time, proposed marriage and I accepted. Throughout the next few months I felt something nagging at my spirit. Something just didn’t feel right. I ignored it for a while longer. At one point I could no longer pretend that the feeling wasn’t there, and I had to face the truth. I was being impatient, I was grasping at the life I felt I should have rather than waiting to see what God wanted for me in this situation. I needed to check my motives, I needed to step back and pray about the situation, and I needed to trust God.
The marriage didn’t happen. We went our separate ways, and although my daughter doesn’t have a relationship with her biological father, I feel in my heart that the impatient decision I was about to make would have had much more dire consequences than living as a single mom. Thinking about what could have been scares me.
When you’re facing the possibility of making an impatient decision do you take the time to step back and look at the possible consequences. Do you seek God and inquire of what He wants for your life? I didn’t until it was almost too late. The bible is very clear in saying that our decision will affect our family generations to come.
Exodus 34:7
…that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Is this a chance we’re willing to take?
Even if children are never involved, is the possibility of not being able to share your love of Christ with your spouse a life you desire? In order for a man to truly know our heart he must first know God, if he doesn’t know God, he will never truly know you. An impatient decision can jeopardize the blessings God has planned for our lives.
Deuteronomy 28:2
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
Deuteronomy 28:15
“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.
When a decision arises that needs to be made, take the time to seek God, listen for His voice and for His direction. And always remember that He protects our heart, He only wants the best for us, including our future husband. Don’t take the risk, and wait for his blessing.
With Love,
Tonya Ellison
____________________________
Lets Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, your words are clear, your warnings and your promises are plainly written. When we are facing a decision that we are going to make with an impatient heart, please Lord touch our hearts and minds so that we are not able to ignore your urging Remind us that your promises and blessings are meant for our benefit. And that our impatient decisions will have consequences, consequences that not only affect us but those around us, consequences that will affect our futures. Instead I pray that we seek your will, and that we trust your plans. Thank you for planning our futures, thank you for protecting our hearts. In Jesus’ name I pray amen.
____________________________
Your Assignment:
I refer to scripture a lot. I feel that the answer to every question, problem and possible impatient decision is held in that wonderful book. So, what scriptures do you go to when you are faced with a decision, when you’re unsure of what to do?
____________________________
Our Next Single Women’s Online Bible Study
“Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul”
by John & Stasi Eldgredge
Begins January 6, 2013
To sign up for this Online Bible Study, click HERE and follow the instructions. You will also be given a link to where you can purchase this bible study. We’re looking forward to studying “Captivating” with you!!
About Tonya Ellison
Beautiful post Tonya – I love what you say and I quote "In order for a man to truly know our heart he must first know God, if he doesn’t know God, he will never truly know you. An impatient decision can jeopardize the blessings God has planned for our lives." When we make impatient decisions, we don't know the impact that they will have in future.
The verses that I go to go to when faced with decision are:
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Jackie, I often have to tell myself not to lean on my own understanding. I would much rather walk his straight paths than my impatient crooked ones. 🙂
If there is any advice that I can offer a Single Woman, from my own experience, is to never ever rush love! SEEK GOD. WAIT ON GOD. God has His BEST for you!!! Truly, Ladies, that is the BEST advice I can give. NEVER RUSH LOVE!
I know the waiting can be difficult, at times. I know you get lonely. I know it feels horrible at times to be the one w/o a partner at events. I know the sadness you feel in your heart when you attend church and see couples attending together.
BUT…..You are NEVER alone! You have the BEST partner out there…Jesus!!!
From one that has made mistakes in relationships in my past, PLEASE take this advice to heart! Rushing brings heartache! Jesus brings true love!!
If we remember anything, we need to remember that we are not alone, regardless of our circumstances. Thank you for your advice! 🙂
Thank you Christi!!!!! I needed to hear your words. It is true and I know it is worth it to wait. Right when I feel I am doing so well being patient something happens…the Devil happens, but He has no power and no victory. I will read these words when I feel the devil tempting. I never want to make mistakes that I have made in the past again. I do not want to go backwards. Thanks for sharing:)
love those Scriptures!!! great encouragement, tonya. ladies, i would add another piece of advice, if i may…when the Lord does touch your heart prompting you to be still and wait, it is SO good to have another woman to support and comfort and encourage and pray for you. <3
Thank you for the encouragement Tonya…I was not a believer when I became pregnant, but I experienced the same thing. We were going to get married, then I backed away from that because it didn't feel right. I never thought of it as God protecting me before this post, but maybe He had my back even then….thank you!
When I know I am going to make a bad decision, after the fact I am always so mad at myself, how did I let that happen, what is wrong with me. I started learning after a lot a lot a lot of bad decisions that I need to seek God first!!! Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 23:38 is a verse I have come to love. But as for me IT IS GOOD TO BE NEAR GOD. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge I will tell of all your deeds.
I love that verse because even in the not so good things…when we are near God it is good. Always we have Him to turn to:)