1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:02,399 Have you ever thought about whether or not 2 00:00:02,399 --> 00:00:04,419 you have the gift of singleness? 3 00:00:05,519 --> 00:00:08,400 You've been praying, fasting, and maybe even sent 4 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:09,699 up one of those emergency. 5 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:12,160 God, if this is really your plan, please 6 00:00:12,160 --> 00:00:14,474 send a very clear sign because I'm not 7 00:00:14,474 --> 00:00:15,855 seeing it kind of prayers. 8 00:00:16,795 --> 00:00:18,554 Yet, here you stand in the land of 9 00:00:18,554 --> 00:00:20,254 singleness and you're wondering, 10 00:00:20,954 --> 00:00:23,214 could I actually have the gift of singleness? 11 00:00:24,714 --> 00:00:27,134 Let's take a deep breath, laugh a little, 12 00:00:27,434 --> 00:00:30,050 and explore some reasons why this might be 13 00:00:30,050 --> 00:00:32,789 God's wonderful plan for you right now. 14 00:00:34,210 --> 00:00:35,189 Spoiler alert. 15 00:00:35,809 --> 00:00:36,309 Singleness 16 00:00:36,689 --> 00:00:38,869 might just be a gift wrapped in unexpected 17 00:00:39,090 --> 00:00:39,590 packaging. 18 00:00:41,565 --> 00:00:43,505 One, God's got plans, 19 00:00:43,885 --> 00:00:44,704 big plans. 20 00:00:45,885 --> 00:00:48,365 Let's be real. You're not just sitting around 21 00:00:48,365 --> 00:00:49,185 doing nothing. 22 00:00:49,965 --> 00:00:52,784 No. You're serving in ministry, building a career, 23 00:00:52,844 --> 00:00:55,185 trying new hobbies, making time for friends, 24 00:00:55,640 --> 00:00:57,740 and maybe even running a side hustle. 25 00:00:58,440 --> 00:00:59,500 When you're single, 26 00:00:59,800 --> 00:01:01,560 you have the freedom to do all of 27 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:04,520 these things without the added responsibility of caring 28 00:01:04,520 --> 00:01:05,340 for a spouse. 29 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:08,439 Paul knew what he was talking about when 30 00:01:08,439 --> 00:01:11,305 he said, an unmarried man is concerned about 31 00:01:11,305 --> 00:01:12,365 the lord's affairs, 32 00:01:12,825 --> 00:01:14,685 how he can please the lord. 33 00:01:15,545 --> 00:01:16,365 First Corinthians 34 00:01:16,745 --> 00:01:18,125 seven thirty two. 35 00:01:19,225 --> 00:01:21,385 You've got some major kingdom work to do, 36 00:01:21,385 --> 00:01:23,385 and this is your moment to fully embrace 37 00:01:23,385 --> 00:01:23,790 it. 38 00:01:24,430 --> 00:01:26,430 In your singleness, you might be able to 39 00:01:26,430 --> 00:01:28,909 focus on things that you wouldn't otherwise be 40 00:01:28,909 --> 00:01:30,689 able to do with the same intensity. 41 00:01:32,030 --> 00:01:34,450 After all, there are benefits to being single. 42 00:01:35,069 --> 00:01:37,644 Whether it's investing time in others, pursuing a 43 00:01:37,644 --> 00:01:40,125 passion, or just being available to serve when 44 00:01:40,125 --> 00:01:41,024 someone asks, 45 00:01:41,644 --> 00:01:44,625 this season is all about maximizing opportunities. 46 00:01:45,965 --> 00:01:48,125 There's no need to rush into another phase 47 00:01:48,125 --> 00:01:50,060 of life when this one has so much 48 00:01:50,060 --> 00:01:50,560 potential. 49 00:01:51,819 --> 00:01:53,979 God might just be calling you to thrive 50 00:01:53,979 --> 00:01:55,200 in this current season 51 00:01:55,579 --> 00:01:57,679 without the distractions of a relationship. 52 00:01:59,899 --> 00:02:00,399 Two, 53 00:02:00,780 --> 00:02:02,719 independence looks good on you. 54 00:02:03,875 --> 00:02:07,015 There's something beautifully empowering about being single. 55 00:02:07,394 --> 00:02:09,955 You've got the freedom to take spontaneous trips, 56 00:02:09,955 --> 00:02:12,675 pick up new hobbies, and even binge watch 57 00:02:12,675 --> 00:02:14,834 The Chosen for the third time this month 58 00:02:14,834 --> 00:02:16,935 without negotiating TV rights. 59 00:02:18,110 --> 00:02:18,930 More importantly, 60 00:02:19,310 --> 00:02:21,889 this independence means you have space to cultivate 61 00:02:21,949 --> 00:02:23,489 your relationship with god 62 00:02:23,870 --> 00:02:25,629 in a way that no one else can 63 00:02:25,629 --> 00:02:26,129 touch. 64 00:02:26,989 --> 00:02:28,449 It's just you and Jesus, 65 00:02:28,909 --> 00:02:31,150 and that's a pretty solid duo if you 66 00:02:31,150 --> 00:02:31,889 ask me. 67 00:02:33,235 --> 00:02:35,395 When you're single, you learn a lot about 68 00:02:35,395 --> 00:02:37,715 yourself. You grow in ways that aren't always 69 00:02:37,715 --> 00:02:39,175 possible in a relationship. 70 00:02:40,354 --> 00:02:42,995 Your self awareness sharpens. You become more in 71 00:02:42,995 --> 00:02:44,694 tune with your strengths and weaknesses. 72 00:02:45,620 --> 00:02:48,020 And you start recognizing God's voice with more 73 00:02:48,020 --> 00:02:48,520 clarity. 74 00:02:49,620 --> 00:02:51,379 No one else gets to speak into your 75 00:02:51,379 --> 00:02:53,480 daily decisions quite like he does. 76 00:02:54,020 --> 00:02:55,640 That's a pretty special thing. 77 00:02:56,995 --> 00:02:59,235 Who needs a relationship status when you've got 78 00:02:59,235 --> 00:03:00,455 an ongoing conversation 79 00:03:00,754 --> 00:03:02,375 with the creator of the universe? 80 00:03:04,594 --> 00:03:05,094 Three. 81 00:03:05,635 --> 00:03:07,335 You're in preparation mode. 82 00:03:08,194 --> 00:03:09,575 Let's talk about preparation. 83 00:03:10,995 --> 00:03:13,259 Being single doesn't mean that you're just waiting 84 00:03:13,259 --> 00:03:15,280 around for something better to happen. 85 00:03:16,139 --> 00:03:18,139 Think of this time as God preparing you 86 00:03:18,139 --> 00:03:20,560 for what's next, whether that's a future relationship 87 00:03:20,860 --> 00:03:22,240 or another path entirely. 88 00:03:23,819 --> 00:03:25,979 Maybe he's equipping you with the patience to 89 00:03:25,979 --> 00:03:28,594 handle future in laws, the wisdom to navigate 90 00:03:28,594 --> 00:03:29,094 conflict, 91 00:03:29,955 --> 00:03:32,275 or even the cooking skills to avoid burning 92 00:03:32,275 --> 00:03:33,574 a romantic dinner. 93 00:03:34,275 --> 00:03:36,694 Because let's be honest, we've all been there. 94 00:03:38,034 --> 00:03:40,115 If marriage is in your future, then this 95 00:03:40,115 --> 00:03:41,789 is the season where god is working on 96 00:03:41,789 --> 00:03:43,969 you to become the best version of yourself. 97 00:03:45,150 --> 00:03:47,090 It's kind of like spiritual CrossFit. 98 00:03:47,389 --> 00:03:49,650 It's tough, but the results are worth it. 99 00:03:50,270 --> 00:03:52,189 And if marriage isn't part of his plan, 100 00:03:52,189 --> 00:03:54,625 then he's preparing you for something even better 101 00:03:54,625 --> 00:03:55,844 that aligns perfectly 102 00:03:56,465 --> 00:03:58,165 with your unique gifts and calling. 103 00:03:59,504 --> 00:04:01,605 Either way, you're being shaped for greatness. 104 00:04:03,264 --> 00:04:03,764 Four, 105 00:04:04,145 --> 00:04:06,004 less drama, more pizza. 106 00:04:07,490 --> 00:04:09,250 Not to be too blunt, but one of 107 00:04:09,250 --> 00:04:10,849 the perks of being single is that you 108 00:04:10,849 --> 00:04:13,349 have significantly less drama in your life. 109 00:04:14,370 --> 00:04:17,889 Relationship challenges, compromises, and the inevitable what do 110 00:04:17,889 --> 00:04:19,284 you want to eat dilemma 111 00:04:19,664 --> 00:04:21,604 are not your concerns right now. 112 00:04:21,985 --> 00:04:24,064 And you know what that means? More time 113 00:04:24,064 --> 00:04:24,884 for pizza. 114 00:04:25,504 --> 00:04:27,604 See, the benefits are stacking up. 115 00:04:28,865 --> 00:04:31,425 Now I'm not saying relationships are all bad. 116 00:04:31,425 --> 00:04:34,490 They can be wonderful, fulfilling, and absolutely worth 117 00:04:34,490 --> 00:04:35,790 it in the right context. 118 00:04:37,210 --> 00:04:39,710 But sometimes, it's good to embrace the simplicity 119 00:04:39,850 --> 00:04:42,810 of life without the constant emotional roller coaster 120 00:04:42,810 --> 00:04:44,110 that dating can bring. 121 00:04:45,694 --> 00:04:48,014 Instead of worrying about someone else's feelings or 122 00:04:48,014 --> 00:04:50,014 planning dates, you get to focus on the 123 00:04:50,014 --> 00:04:51,794 things that bring you joy, 124 00:04:52,095 --> 00:04:53,714 contentment, and peace. 125 00:04:54,814 --> 00:04:56,115 Plus, let's be real. 126 00:04:56,495 --> 00:04:58,675 Less drama means more time for Netflix, 127 00:04:59,290 --> 00:05:01,550 friends, and deepening your walk with God. 128 00:05:02,009 --> 00:05:05,850 Can't argue with that. Five, your identity isn't 129 00:05:05,850 --> 00:05:06,990 tied to a relationship. 130 00:05:07,610 --> 00:05:09,689 One of the most beautiful truths in scripture 131 00:05:09,689 --> 00:05:11,709 is that your identity is found in Christ, 132 00:05:12,095 --> 00:05:13,795 not in your relationship status. 133 00:05:14,335 --> 00:05:16,435 Whether you're single, dating, or married, 134 00:05:16,814 --> 00:05:18,355 your worth doesn't change. 135 00:05:18,895 --> 00:05:21,235 The world loves to put people in categories, 136 00:05:21,775 --> 00:05:24,655 single and searching, single and not searching, or 137 00:05:24,655 --> 00:05:25,800 why are you still single? 138 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:28,839 But God doesn't work that way. He calls 139 00:05:28,839 --> 00:05:31,659 you his child, his beloved, and his masterpiece, 140 00:05:32,039 --> 00:05:33,339 Ephesians two ten. 141 00:05:33,800 --> 00:05:35,479 And that, my friend, is where your true 142 00:05:35,479 --> 00:05:36,379 value lies. 143 00:05:36,680 --> 00:05:38,839 Singleness is not a problem to be solved, 144 00:05:38,839 --> 00:05:41,404 but a season or calling to be embraced. 145 00:05:42,264 --> 00:05:44,264 If God's plan for you includes a spouse 146 00:05:44,264 --> 00:05:46,345 down the road, that's wonderful. But if it 147 00:05:46,345 --> 00:05:48,504 doesn't, you're still 100% 148 00:05:48,504 --> 00:05:49,724 complete in him. 149 00:05:50,185 --> 00:05:52,185 You don't need anyone else to validate your 150 00:05:52,185 --> 00:05:53,884 existence or make you feel worthy. 151 00:05:54,199 --> 00:05:56,300 You're already enough just as you are. 152 00:05:58,040 --> 00:05:59,180 The gift of singleness, 153 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:00,220 conclusion. 154 00:06:01,079 --> 00:06:01,979 It's a gift. 155 00:06:03,479 --> 00:06:05,399 So why might you have the gift of 156 00:06:05,399 --> 00:06:05,899 singleness? 157 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:08,384 Well, maybe it's because God knows this is 158 00:06:08,384 --> 00:06:10,245 the perfect time for you to grow, 159 00:06:10,704 --> 00:06:12,964 serve, and shine without any distractions. 160 00:06:13,904 --> 00:06:15,745 Maybe it's because he wants to teach you 161 00:06:15,745 --> 00:06:18,464 independence and deepen your relationship with him before 162 00:06:18,464 --> 00:06:19,284 anything else. 163 00:06:19,990 --> 00:06:21,509 Or maybe it's because you still got a 164 00:06:21,509 --> 00:06:23,829 lot of pizza nights and Netflix marathons left 165 00:06:23,829 --> 00:06:24,490 to enjoy. 166 00:06:25,430 --> 00:06:28,229 Whatever the reason, rest assured that singleness is 167 00:06:28,229 --> 00:06:30,009 not a burden, it's a gift. 168 00:06:30,789 --> 00:06:32,709 Take heart in knowing that God's plan for 169 00:06:32,709 --> 00:06:34,550 your life is so much bigger than you 170 00:06:34,550 --> 00:06:35,795 can see right now. 171 00:06:36,495 --> 00:06:38,574 Whether this season lasts a year or a 172 00:06:38,574 --> 00:06:39,074 lifetime, 173 00:06:39,774 --> 00:06:42,014 trust that he's working out everything for your 174 00:06:42,014 --> 00:06:44,495 good, Romans eight twenty eight. And in the 175 00:06:44,495 --> 00:06:44,995 meantime, 176 00:06:45,615 --> 00:06:46,675 enjoy the journey, 177 00:06:47,275 --> 00:06:48,255 love the adventure, 178 00:06:48,635 --> 00:06:51,295 and embrace the gift of singleness with joy, 179 00:06:51,515 --> 00:06:52,015 confidence, 180 00:06:52,635 --> 00:06:54,575 and maybe a slice of pizza or two.