11 Ways Single Parents Can Live out 1 Corinthians 7:34
As a single mom, I want to encourage other single parents how to use their time effectively to serve the Lord, especially those who are desiring marriage. I want to provide ideas and ways on how we can serve God without neglecting the ministry the Lord put before us; our children.
I know we hear a lot of messages on what a single woman should be doing while she is waiting for her husband but rarely do we hear people provide tips and ways on how a single mom can live out 1 Corinthians 7:34 that says, “An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.” Coming from a single mom, it can be frustrating or even discouraging hearing messages on what you should do while you’re single because you begin feelinglike you’re not doing enough or God does not see your “extra load.” I want to tell you that there is hope and ways that you, as a single mom, can live out 1 Corinthians 7:34-35.
Hearing messages on what you should do while you’re single was also frustrating to me because although I was single, I was a single mother. Trying to juggle my life and my child’s life, I felt like I didn’t have the “extra” time to do anything outside of parenting. Between the sermon notes for married women and single women, I found myself feeling out of place because the messages were always tailored to those two categories. Where does the single mom fit in? I found myself feeling overwhelmed about what I should be doing as a single woman, but I am a single mom, so those desires had to wait. I had someone else’ life dependent on me and my decisions (No pressure for those soon to be and future moms lol). So I didn’t properly help myself to be a better person in order to be a healthier mom which only fed my frustrations. I perceived “time“ as the enemy when people would say, “use your time to serve and go on mission’s trip.” Maybe you can relate? You’re like “WHAT TIME?!! I have to take care of these children by myself. I have to work 40+ hours if we want to stay living with a roof over our heads. Go grocery shopping AND prepare dinner all by myself. Clean and organize the house by myself. Take the kids to school or any functions by myself. Be the disciplinary and the caring mom ALL BY MYSELF”.
The list goes on and on but the truth is, you are not by yourself. The word of God tells us that He is with us (Mat. 1:23) and He will guide us if we put our trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). There are so many encouraging scriptures that tell us we are NOT alone that God is with us such as; Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20, Isaiah 43:2, and Joshua 1:9 just to name a few. As much as you want to be a good mother, God wants it even more for you, so He provided you with everything you need to parent well, His Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).
So, I compiled a list of ways that single mom’s can give their time and attention to the Lord while you wait for the man God sends into you and your child‘s lives.
• INVOLVE YOUR CHILD. Allow your kids to participate in the Lord’s business. Ask God what your child‘s purpose is and allow them to utilize their gift(s).
• SERVING OTHERS. Find serving opportunities that are kid friendly and allow your child to see what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Your local church will be a big help. My church is a very family oriented church, and they are always providing opportunities for families to serve together. They often offer classes and resources on how to build parent-child relationships that will glorify God.
• MISSIONS TRIPS. Find mission trips that will allow your kids to be a part of sharing the gospel with others. It doesn’t have to be an overseas trip for it to be a mission’s trip. Serve your neighborhood or a different neighborhood in your city by sharing the gospel together while cleaning up the area or helping paint a house. Get with other moms with kids and make it a group project.
• DAILY DEVOTIONS. What a fun way to interact with your child and pour into their spiritual lives. With their childlike faith, how can you not please the Father? You can learn something from them as well. My son gave his life to Christ at age six during our devotion time!
• BIBLE STUDY. Involve them in your study and prayer time, don’t shut them out. Assign them scriptures to read or offer them to pray first to invite Jesus in your study time together. My son was once shy to pray, and now, he prays without hesitation…freely.
• CARE PACKAGES. What a fun project, put together a snack bag and pass them out when you see people in need. My son was the one who suggested to give goody bags. We are still waiting to try this one.
• THANK YOU CARDS. Put together a list of names and write thank you cards to those around you that you feel that are doing a good job. Another great idea is to look up your local military directory to see how you can write and send encouraging letters to those that are serving your country. I like to collect little stationary cards when they go on sale and use them to write to others.
• GIFT CARDS. If the Lord blessed you with some money to get gift cards for other single moms, that’s a good way to blessed someone else who’s in the same season you’re in. It doesn’t have to be a large amount, but the fact that it came from your heart is what pleases the Father.
• GROUPONS. I find a lot of great deals through this site. Get a gift certificate for cleaning services or a movie ticket and bless another mom, she will appreciate it. Go to http://www.groupon.com and see what you can find!
• CONFERENCES AND RETREATS. Bless married couples with tickets to a marriage retreat or conference. They will thank you later. Remember you reap what you have sown
Thank you for taking the time out to read my tips and 2 cents. If you have any tips or ideas that you would like to share, list them below in the comment section. As always, if you have a prayer request, please email me at cultivatedbylove@gmail.com. God bless you always!
My son and I on our recent vacay in LA