Just the other day, I came across an IG page of a couple who were recently married. In one of her posts, the wife shared a reel about their first year together. It wasn’t just photos, t was a map, showing all the places she and her husband had travelled to as newlyweds.
I caught myself saying:
“Oh, now I get why women wait for marriage to travel.”
In that moment, I felt the deep longing to have someone I could travel with like that. Yes, I love traveling and don’t mind going alone or with friends. But what I wanted right then was to travel with a man, my man.
And for the first time, I understood why some women put certain dreams on hold until marriage.
The only problem?
None of us knows when we’ll get married.
Which means we often end up delaying things that are within our control, while waiting on something that isn’t.
The Subtle Trap of Waiting
That reel reminded me how easy it is to slip into the “one day” mindset.
- I’ll travel when I’m married.
- I’ll buy a home when I have a family.
- I’ll feel complete when I have a husband.
Before long, waiting for marriage becomes waiting to really live.
But here’s the truth: life is happening now. And God has not called us to sit on the sidelines of our own stories.
The Gift of This Season
It’s easy to focus on what feels missing, but every season carries a gift. Singleness is not second-class, it’s a season with unique opportunities.
Paul puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 7:34, reminding us that the unmarried woman has an undivided devotion to the Lord. This doesn’t mean singleness is always easy, but it does mean there is space to know God deeply and serve Him wholeheartedly in ways that may look different later.
What if instead of seeing this time as “waiting,” we saw it as “living with intention”?
Guarding Against Bitterness
Let’s be honest: waiting can hurt. Especially when those younger than you are getting married, having children, and stepping into the very life you’ve been praying for. I
t’s easy to slip into comparison, envy, or even bitterness.
But here’s what I’ve learned; if I don’t guard my heart, I can become so consumed with what others have that I miss the joy God is offering me right now.
Proverbs 4:23 says,
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Guarding your heart doesn’t mean ignoring your desires, it means refusing to let disappointment poison your perspective. It means rejoicing with others while still trusting God with your story.
Living With Purpose Today
So, how do we live fully while waiting?
- Invest in your growth. Read, learn, build skills, pursue the dreams on your heart.
- Build community. Friendships, mentorship, and service are vital parts of a fulfilling life.
- Say yes to opportunities. Don’t wait for a spouse to explore, travel, or create. (Book that trip, sis!)
- Stay rooted in God’s Word. Let His promises anchor you when the waiting feels long.
The question isn’t, “What am I missing?” but rather, “How can I glorify God in this season?”
A Gentle Reminder
Dear sister, you are not incomplete. Marriage may be a beautiful desire, but it is not the sum total of your life. God is not waiting until you’re married to bless you, use you, or fulfill His purposes in you.
So live fully today. Laugh loudly, dream boldly, and love deeply. Trust that as you walk in obedience, God knows how to bring every good thing into your life in His perfect time.
Prayer for You:
Lord, thank You for the gift of life in this very season. Teach us to see the beauty of today, not just the promise of tomorrow. Guard our hearts from bitterness, fill us with joy, and help us live fully for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What’s one thing you’ve been putting on hold for marriage that you could start embracing now?
Good stuff. One question, though.
“Paul puts it this way in 1 Corinthians 7:34, reminding us that the unmarried woman has an undivided devotion to the Lord. This doesn’t mean singleness is always easy, but it does mean there is space to know God deeply and serve Him wholeheartedly in ways that may look different later.”
Is that really what this passage means, though? Paul basically says that an unmarried person is devoted to the Lord and not distracted by the needs of his spouse. This is then interpreted by some to mean that a person can do “more ministry” as a single. I don’t think that’s what Paul says here. I mean, if that’s the case, why are all the pastors and church elders typically married? Did they make a mistake? Is marriage getting in the way of their ministry? What Paul says here, I believe, is that if you AREN’T distracted by the desire for marriage, then MAYBE you have the gift of singleness.