Whether single or married, everyone experiences seasons of waiting in life and faith. In today’s fast-paced world, waiting can seem unnecessary or even foolish. However, when it comes to marriage, singles inevitably go through a period of waiting. How can we, as believers, embrace this time with the right heart?
1. Waiting is a Training in Trusting God
The Bible teaches us to trust God during times of waiting. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, struggled with doubt, but in the end, she witnessed God’s faithfulness (Genesis 21). Marriage, too, is a promise that God fulfills in His perfect timing.
Waiting is not just about passing time—it is a period in which our faith deepens. Before marriage, God allows singles to know Him more intimately and trust His plans. This trust will continue even after marriage, helping us rely on His goodness and sovereignty throughout our journey.
2. Waiting is a Time to Build Your Identity
Rushing into marriage can result in an unhealthy dependence on a spouse for one’s sense of identity. However, waiting provides an opportunity to build a strong identity in God.
Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Understanding that we are uniquely created by God helps lay the foundation for a healthy marriage. During this season of waiting, we learn to find our worth in God rather than expecting a spouse to complete us.
3. Waiting Prepares Us for Mature Love
1 Corinthians 13 describes love as “patient, kind, and not self-seeking.” Marriage is a lifelong journey of loving and serving one another, making it essential to prepare for mature love.
While waiting, we can grow in love by serving those around us. For example, a single woman developed a deeper understanding of love by caring for her family and community. This later helped her build a strong marriage. Waiting is not just about preparing for marriage—it is about learning the true nature of love.
4. Waiting Helps Us Discover God’s Other Gifts
Waiting is also a time to uncover other blessings from God. Many singles find their passions and callings during this season. Recognizing and using God-given gifts allows us to glorify Him, which later helps build a purposeful marriage centered on His mission.
5. Waiting Helps Us See Marriage from God’s Perspective
Christian marriage is not solely about personal happiness; it is about expanding God’s kingdom. Waiting enables us to see marriage from a greater perspective.
For example, a single individual devoted their life to God before marriage, using their time to serve and grow spiritually. After marriage, they and their spouse continued their journey together, sharing a vision for missions and living for God’s kingdom. The season of waiting allows individuals to redefine the purpose of marriage and anticipate a relationship prepared according to God’s plan.
Waiting is not easy. However, from a Christian perspective, waiting is never wasted time. It is a sacred season where God shapes and prepares us. Singles are encouraged to use this period to deepen their relationship with God, establish their identity in Him, and grow in their understanding of love.
God is never in a hurry, but He is never late. At the right time, we will experience His blessings.