In 1 Corinthians chapter 7, Paul urges those who are single to remain single. He refers to the ability to be single specifically celibacy as a gift from God. Not many people will see this as a gift but in all actuality it is such a blessing. I for one have always been afraid of being single. I focused so much on the fact that I would feel lonely or that I wouldn't have any fun. On the contrary, This single season is so refreshing. This season is freeing. Paul explains in the same chapter how singles have an endless amount of time to seek and serve God. This is the time to find your footing with God, to truly focus on your walk of righteousness with the Lord. I guess this is why the enemy wants to make people feel like being single is such a bad thing. He doesn't want you hit the ground running towards God and according to his word.
Specifically pointing out celibacy (which is actively refraining from sex and marriage) as a gift. I will explain my personal experience regarding how God gave me this gift. It had been years since I declared Jesus Christ as my savior but I was still trapped by sin, especially sex. About a year ago I began to feel the tug of the Holy Spirit. Over time it became so strong that the sinful relationship I was in began to crumble. The very last time I had sex the Holy Spirit convicted me not to but I violated that conviction. It was a physical battle happening within me. As I drove to that randoms house, my head began to hurt. I parked to walk up to the door I felt so off, kind of in a daze really. As we proceed in the act, at one point I began to cry. I could not understand why. I felt dirty and unworthy. I wish there was a term to fully describe how horrible I felt. Once it was over, I could not face the random because my face was full of tears. I went into the other room to dress and as I was dressing, I physically felt my spirit leave me. I felt death.
Now let me explain what I mean by my spirit left me. The living Word many times refers to the spirit, soul and flesh of man. (Hebrews 4, Thessalonians 5) To explain in basic terms: the spirit is the direct connection to God. It is how we speak and hear God. The soul is sort of the middle man. Our conscious mind that relays the message to and from our spirit and flesh. Lastly, flesh is the physical body of man.
My spirit at that time left me. I could no longer feel the presence of God. See for me, God is my glue. He keeps me together. All pain or frustrations, insecurities and disappointments. He holds them so that I can be free. When I could no longer feel God, the weight of the world fell back on me. I left that house and sat in my car and cried for hours. I cried not only for what just happened but for all the disappointments of that situation. I cried because I had failed God. I had directly disobeyed him. I disrespected God! As I was crying I began to pray to God for forgiveness. Begging him to forgive me! I started to pray and as I prayed my prayer changed from asking for forgiveness to thankfulness. This was the weirdest moment. Why would I start to thank God after what just happened? I realized in that moment, I have received the gift of celibacy. From that very moment, I have not had the desire nor the thought of sex. From that day my freedom began.
I have found the time, energy and the spiritual mindset to focus on God's purpose in my life. I have been so busy working for God ever since. I am working on the board for two young women's ministries. ( Church Girls Ministry and Pinky Promise - Northern New Jersey) I am beginning this years youth program at my church ( Youth Hangout Night- Friday/Saturdays) I have yet to miss a prayer service. I have ample time to pray and read the word, instead of worrying out whomever. And as you all know, I was baptized November 30th 2014.
I often sit back and wonder at my peace and contentment, about how I stayed away from this single season of freedom for so long. Now, don't get me wrong. Lol, my prayer to receive my husband in 2015 has not fallen away AT ALL! However, I'm taking the Ruth route on this one. The man God has for me will find me deep in the heart of God, busy as a worker bee!
It is my prayer that my sisters and brothers in Christ, allow God to bless them with gifts. Even gifts that they don't quite understand. God is a great God of mercy, love and faithfulness. All that he parts with his children as good things, whether you understand it now or later in life. Be blessed you guys!
Love ya to peace,
Cherrell A.
Specifically pointing out celibacy (which is actively refraining from sex and marriage) as a gift. I will explain my personal experience regarding how God gave me this gift. It had been years since I declared Jesus Christ as my savior but I was still trapped by sin, especially sex. About a year ago I began to feel the tug of the Holy Spirit. Over time it became so strong that the sinful relationship I was in began to crumble. The very last time I had sex the Holy Spirit convicted me not to but I violated that conviction. It was a physical battle happening within me. As I drove to that randoms house, my head began to hurt. I parked to walk up to the door I felt so off, kind of in a daze really. As we proceed in the act, at one point I began to cry. I could not understand why. I felt dirty and unworthy. I wish there was a term to fully describe how horrible I felt. Once it was over, I could not face the random because my face was full of tears. I went into the other room to dress and as I was dressing, I physically felt my spirit leave me. I felt death.
Now let me explain what I mean by my spirit left me. The living Word many times refers to the spirit, soul and flesh of man. (Hebrews 4, Thessalonians 5) To explain in basic terms: the spirit is the direct connection to God. It is how we speak and hear God. The soul is sort of the middle man. Our conscious mind that relays the message to and from our spirit and flesh. Lastly, flesh is the physical body of man.
My spirit at that time left me. I could no longer feel the presence of God. See for me, God is my glue. He keeps me together. All pain or frustrations, insecurities and disappointments. He holds them so that I can be free. When I could no longer feel God, the weight of the world fell back on me. I left that house and sat in my car and cried for hours. I cried not only for what just happened but for all the disappointments of that situation. I cried because I had failed God. I had directly disobeyed him. I disrespected God! As I was crying I began to pray to God for forgiveness. Begging him to forgive me! I started to pray and as I prayed my prayer changed from asking for forgiveness to thankfulness. This was the weirdest moment. Why would I start to thank God after what just happened? I realized in that moment, I have received the gift of celibacy. From that very moment, I have not had the desire nor the thought of sex. From that day my freedom began.
I have found the time, energy and the spiritual mindset to focus on God's purpose in my life. I have been so busy working for God ever since. I am working on the board for two young women's ministries. ( Church Girls Ministry and Pinky Promise - Northern New Jersey) I am beginning this years youth program at my church ( Youth Hangout Night- Friday/Saturdays) I have yet to miss a prayer service. I have ample time to pray and read the word, instead of worrying out whomever. And as you all know, I was baptized November 30th 2014.
I often sit back and wonder at my peace and contentment, about how I stayed away from this single season of freedom for so long. Now, don't get me wrong. Lol, my prayer to receive my husband in 2015 has not fallen away AT ALL! However, I'm taking the Ruth route on this one. The man God has for me will find me deep in the heart of God, busy as a worker bee!
It is my prayer that my sisters and brothers in Christ, allow God to bless them with gifts. Even gifts that they don't quite understand. God is a great God of mercy, love and faithfulness. All that he parts with his children as good things, whether you understand it now or later in life. Be blessed you guys!
Love ya to peace,
Cherrell A.
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