Ruth or Anna? All Christian Women Single or Married can be fulfilled in Christ

[Sandra Turton]

Many single women including myself like to look to the book of Ruth for hope in finding an ideal husband - one that God has for us. But on the flipside, what if that is not God's will for us? God has other plans for some women who do not marry. And guess what? They are no less blessed than those who do have husbands. Really. It's just another life. An ideal one as well.

Time and time again when I think of myself as single, Anna drifts into my mind. Anna was a prophetess, a holy woman in the bible who was only married a short time before her husband died and she became a widow. She never married again. Ruth on the other hand, a submissive woman and also a widow, did marry again. Happily.

In theory, Anna seems to have been delt a tragic hand. But in holiness, Anna is phenomenally blessed living in relationship with the Lord fasting and praying. I can just picture her walking down the street smiling and talking to God... I know when I hear from him, when he whispers in my ear, I melt inside. Husband? What husband?

At this point, and in this stage of my walk with God, I am curious to see how he will surprise me because that is what he's been doing in my life lately. And that is the best part of living for him. He has a way of blowing our minds in a way we least expect it. His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). So who has the good life? Ruth or Anna? Both do. God knows how to fulfill women in many ways when they submit to him. And so I cheer for Anna, and the women who will live a life like her. The best is yet to come...

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luke 2)

Devotionals by Sandra - "Changing & Affecting Lives" http://www.sandraturton.com

Firm Believers - "Changing & Affecting our Bodies" http://www.firmbelievers.wordpress.com

[Spirit]

I am in the process of studying the book of Ruth : ) and as you said, God has plans for our lives. And it could be Him getting the glory through our marriage or through our singleness. I recently "RE"-married. But when I went through almost 10 years of divorce / singlness, it was not until the last 3 years I started to pray to God for what HE had for me. I then went through almost 3 years of total dedication to Christ. I eliminated dating from my life, and I focused on growing spiritually and my intimate relationship with Christ. It was during this time I met my (second) husband. Now, I love my hubby deeply, but he takes work, he needs attention, and he needs my time. Which I am constantly making sure to keep God my main focus. But when I was single, my life was devoted to HIM. So, either way it is a blessed place to be, once we accept God's will and surrender our own will. We are empty vessels being used by the Lord. So whatever HIS will... : )

Stay encouraged and keep seeking first the Kingdom. Because as you said, God is full of surprises.

http://proverbs31women.ning.com