Your Single Season Is Not Life on Pause – Co-Blog

Usually, when I think of David’s story, it’s one of two extremes. Either the tragic story of a king who did not reach where God wanted him to be and fell into temptation…or the victory of a young and brave shepherd over a giant.

So when my family watched Angel Studios’ amazing rendition of david Being in the theater over the holidays, I was surprised that what struck me most wasn’t the storyline (they wisely didn’t try to incorporate a Bathsheba bath into a children’s movie). The most striking thing for me was David in hiding.

Although David was anointed king by God, he found himself running for his life—wondering why God’s promises were not fulfilled. I love how David turned to the Lord in the darkest moments of his life—being hunted, betrayed, in a cave:

“God, have mercy on me, have mercy on me,
For in you My soul seeks refuge;
I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings,
Until the storm of destruction passes. “
——Psalm 57, David’s Mictham as he fled from Saul into the cave

I’ve been closely involved with the Mutual project for over ten years. Over the years of working with and serving this community, I have witnessed absolute miracles. I have met hundreds of “Davids” – incredible single adults, many of whom are patiently waiting on the Lord. I have followed the stories of many wonderful siblings who found love.

I have also made many, many friends who still find themselves waiting, some of them for a long time. I think they felt deep sympathy for David, living in their own cave.

I don’t pretend to understand the Lord’s timing, but I trust Him. My seminary teacher Natalie Carroll did a wonderful job of instilling in us a mastery of scripture, and to this day Proverbs 3:5-6 is still written on my heart:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
—Proverbs 3:5-6

Last year at a YSA conference in Utah, I sat next to dating coach Sam Whitney. I conducted a profile review of YSAs, pointing out small changes that might help them succeed in the challenging world of online dating. I couldn’t help but overhear some advice from Sam (hopefully a little of his wisdom rubbed off on me), and I heard him ask a young man:

“If you knew you were going to meet the wife of your dreams—but you had to wait five, or even ten, years to meet her—would you wait?”

The young man did not hesitate. “Yes!”

That exchange left a lasting impression on me. I saw the inherent kindness of people in our community. Every time I interact with single adults in the church, I am humbled by your kindness, your nobility, and your greatness. I believe with all my heart that the Lord has a beautiful story for each of us. He asks us to trust Him, even in our darkest moments.

Like David, we need to go where He wants us to go. The fact that you choose mutual aid as a way to find a partner speaks volumes about you and your beliefs and priorities. Of all the things you could be looking for, you choose to look for people who share your beliefs. Whether you meet your future spouse on this app or another, I know that acts of faith matter.

This year, I want to challenge singles in our community to do more than wait. Like David, I believe the world will be a better place because of God’s plans for you this year. What great music might you make this year now that you’ve been single for at least one season?

In Chairman Oakes’s speech at the conference last October, this passage impressed me deeply:

“One of the important influences that united families in the past was the experience of working together to pursue a common goal—such as taming the wilderness or making a living. The family was an organized and ongoing unit of economic production. Today, most families are economic consumption units that do not require a high degree of family organization and cooperation.”

That kind of contrast——production and consumption– Trapped with me.

We live in a consumer world. Our internet-centric lives provide an endless supply of content to consume. Streaming services offer a never-ending river of entertainment. Even audiobooks are now “unlimited.” We even posted a video on our social media that has gone over 15.5 years old Total viewing time.

I don’t believe God designed us just to consume. He is the ultimate Creator. exist Come on, follow me This month, we do start with creation. As His children, we are destined to create. Our purpose is production.

So here is my challenge to you wonderful singles:
Not just single-season consumers.

no amount of love can consume That brings true happiness. you must Production Love – given freely – joy.

It’s not just about consuming people’s personal data. What can you contribute to the singles community? Are you brightening the lives of those around you? The ways are endless: Encourage each other with compliments. Date great people. Eat together.

Not everyone you meet is destined to be your eternal companion.
But we all have to eat. You might as well do it often and in good company.

I love the story of my mentor Bob Carroll, one of the co-founders of Mutual Bank. His love story is very unique—I won’t even attempt to recount it for fear of doing it unfair—but Bob’s relationship with the stunning Natalie (then a single mom of two little girls) began in part with something very simple: a dinner between friends.

Bob and Natalie went on to become the ultimate power couple. Wherever they go, they are creators of light and goodness. I am just one of many teenagers who have benefited from their kindness and dedication. They went well beyond the phone calls, coaxing drowsy students into early-morning seminaries with boxes of Einstein bagels. The bagels didn’t keep us full for long, but the course did. These truths penetrate deep into our hearts and nourish our souls throughout our lives. For over twenty years, I have watched them serve quietly and devotedly in every opportunity the Lord placed before them.

Hope I didn’t ruin the movie david For anyone. I’m keen to avoid spoilers, but given that this is one of the most famous stories in the Bible, I think I’m on the safe side.

David had a real season of being hunted.
But that’s exactly what it is— season.

He endured it all well and eventually became the greatest king of Israel. (until Jesus of course)

my prayer is that you can your SINGLE SEASON – When the threads in your story’s tapestry finally come together and reveal themselves in full, you’ll be able to sing along with David:

“You turned my mourning into a dance;
Take off my sackcloth and clothe me with joy,
So that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will always thank you. “

-Psalm 30, Psalms and songs at the dedication of the house of David.