Modern Women of Faith: Amber

I have the pleasure of introducing you to my dear friend, Amber, who is the next guest writer in the series Modern Women of Faith. Amber just graduated with a degree in Nutritional Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. She loves to cook and she's gifted at it! (Her chickpea cookie dough recipe is da best!). I had the privilege of walking along side Amber as we both grew in our faith during college, and I'm delighted to have her share and walk along side all of you. 

I am so honored that my dear friend Madi asked me to contribute to her blog series about being a Woman of Faith! Our friendship began when I was not a believer, and today, by Gods grace and mercy, I have been saved. I can’t help but praise God for Madi and her influence on my life.

When Madi first approached me to write a post about what it looks like to be a woman of faith, to be honest, I was stumped. I prayed often and felt the Spirit was calling me to be honest about a part of my life that I don't speak of often. 

 Singleness.

During the past year, the Lord has challenged me more than ever to surrender my idolization of relationships. As a 22-year-old woman, I have yet to experience what it looks like to be pursued by a man or a godly man at that. As long as I can remember, I’d cry and question the Lord's intentions. I saw my sister, family, and friends in relationships and getting engaged and married. I felt like the Lord was withholding something my heart so desired and still desires. I sought to feel wanted, chosen, loved, and pursued.

Today, however, the Lord continues to redeem this area of my life. While I look back through my journals, think about my thoughts, conversations, and prayers, I am so grateful for this period of my life. I know now that I am wanted, chosen, loved and pursued by the ultimate husband: Christ. Although I thought the Lord was not providing for me, I can see now how he protected me from heartache, tears, and disappointment.

As believers, living by faith simply means to have complete trust or confidence in someone or something, that someone being Christ. Trusting that singleness isn’t a curse, but rather a blessing. 

It’s not about being married or single. It’s about trusting God in whatever state you are in. Single. Engaged. Married. 

If you seek fulfillment in Christ, you will find it. Singleness is an incredible and exceptional privilege, a period to build and strengthen your relationship with Christ. A privilege I am so glad I get to experience.

In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Paul writes to remind those in the Corinthian church that singleness is not to bring shame or discontentment but rather lessen distractions. He is not saying to not marry, but rather enjoy the season the Lord has put you in and strive to honor him.

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In all you do, I want you to be free from worry. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please Him. But a married man can’t do that so well; he has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. It is the same with a girl who marries. She faces the same problem. A girl who is not married is anxious to please the Lord in all she is and does. But a married woman must consider other things such as housekeeping and the likes and dislikes of her husband. I am saying this to help you, not to try to keep you from marrying. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few other things as possible to distract your attention from him.

In this seemingly forever season, I have come to realize that the Lord has already given me everything I need. He has given me Himself. If I could serve the Lord better as a married woman, then I would be married.  

No longer am I ashamed, but I do have times of struggle where my desires overpower the truth; nonetheless the Lord continues to shower me with grace and mercy as I learn to grow in wisdom and discernment. My heart will always desire to be married, a desire that the Lord has freely given me. Now it’s up to me to use this season to most glorify him through faith. 

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 
2 Peter 1:3

To you, a woman of faith, during your period of singleness, trust in the Lord and his good works. Don’t be anxious or envious.  He has not forgotten about you. He hears your prayers and knows your heart's desires. He is your ultimate husband. Turn and surrender to him.

Your sister,
Amber 

 From an amazing poem that speaks so much truth: I Will Wait by Janette McGhee

But to my Father,
my Father who has known me before I was birthed into this earth,
only if You should see fit.
I desire Your will above mine.
So even if you call me to a life of singleness,
my heart is content with You—the One who was sent.
You are the greatest love story ever told,
the greatest love ever known.
You are forever my judge and I’m forever Your witness,
and I pray that I’m always found on a mission about my Father’s business.
I will always be Yours,
and I will always wait for You, Lord.
More than the watchmen wait for the morning,
more than the watchmen wait for the morning,
I will wait.

Amber shares more of her thoughts and what she's learning about in everyday life on her blog: Amber Lynn Deemer. Check it out! Also, if you love food, recipes, and encouragement, follow Amber on Instagram here!