The Single Life (3)by Pastor Faith Oyedepo, Week 3, November, 2008

The Single Life (3)

Dear Reader,

Are you due for marriage? God’s Word in Isaiah 34:16 says: Seek you out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it has commanded, and his spirit it has gathered them. Please be aware that God has not forgotten you! God cannot mismanage your life. Stop searching for a marriage partner at all cost. Make Jesus your Lord, your Boss and be deeply committed to Him. This is the excellent foundation for your future.

In this teaching, I will be looking at Godly Character. I would like us to look at the life of Joseph who exhibited a godly character, even in the midst of circumstances.

Joseph’s life provides us with a beautiful example of a person, who was totally committed to living a godly life, regardless of the circumstances he encountered. Joseph exhibited the character of God through his faithfulness, integrity, purity and mercy, even while he was forced to endure intense pressure and difficulty (Genesis 37). The whole life of Joseph teaches us something about Godly character.

The Bible tells us that Joseph was hated by his brothers, who were jealous of him. He was only a teenager when they decided to kill him and cruelly threw him into a pit. Think of the problem from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph could have as well used loneliness, bitterness or self-pity as an excuse for giving in to this woman. And since he was totally alone in a foreign land, no one would ever have known. Joseph had only few seconds to decide if he would maintain his integrity, righteousness and purity or trade them for a few moments of pleasure. Joseph’s choice in this moment of testing and temptation would affect his future and the future of Israel forever. But He chose to flee. To be single is to be whole, outstanding, unique, separate and positively different!

Godly character earned Joseph favour in the sight of God and He was with Joseph. God did not leave him alone in that dungeon. God’s Word says: But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:21-23). As a slave, Joseph rose from the dungeon to the second highest position in the massive Egyptian empire, where he had enormous power and riches. He was second only to Pharaoh, so God did reward him generously for his righteousness. But He paid the price for reaping his reward. He was abused, hated, betrayed, enslaved, tempted, tested, lied upon, unjustly prisoned, and forgotten (not by God)in a dungeon for many years. But he refused to do evil rather, he walked in holiness, waited patiently, and maintained a soft and grateful heart before God.

Do you feel imprisoned by circumstances that seem to be beyond your control? Don’t be anxious. Do not panic. Don’t lose hope. “Why?” I seem to hear you ask. You know what? I can assure you that it will work out for your good, not against you. This word of assurance in Romans 8:28 is for you. Receive it today. It says: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. You don’t know what God has in store for you – no matter your age! You know what? God is still in the business of divine connections!

That you are single now does not mean that you are a sub-standard or incomplete being. No, never entertain such feeling or thought! In fact, let me state categorically here that being single is not a curse neither is it a disease. It is a blessing, a plus, not a minus, an addition, not a subtraction. It is not weird to be single and is certainly not an evil thing. It is simply a phase of life that holds undeniable benefits for those who utilize it.

God is not an unrighteous God and He certainly is no respecter of persons. What He does for one, He is willing, ready, and able to do for another. He is not more righteous to one as to favour him than He is to another. He is rich unto all that call upon His name-and that includes you! He knows your phase per time and He has not forgotten you. Don’t live your single years wondering if God has forgotten you or whether you are under a curse. No! Never! God is too faithful to fail, He is dependable, and He is more than enough - I am a living proof!

Life, as you know, is in phases and singleness is a phase that everyone must of necessity pass through in the journey of life: whether as a married person, a eunuch, a celibate, a career person or whatever choice you make. Every stage or phase in life has its inherent benefits, which should be harnessed and singleness is no exception. May you enjoy the added benefit inherent in the single years!

Singleness is a phase of life that you must pass through and the faster you are able to maximize the season and pass the examinations of that phase of life, the faster you move on to the next phase of your life.

When I was a single, there were some of my colleagues, whose only focus in life was marriage. Nothing else had meaning or attracted them except marital issues. Most of them don’t have much to show for it even now! This is obviously misplaced priority. Life is much more than that. It is very important for you to get your bearings right in life, now that you are still single.

Godly character brought Joseph in favour with God. Until you exhibit godly character, you can never matter in life. Surrendering your life to Christ is the foundation for godly character. You surrender by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Savious. Now I know I am born again!

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God's Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through:

E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8;

For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Book Stores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian book stores:

* Single With A Difference

* Marriage Covenant,

* Making Marriage Work

* Building a Successful Family

* The Effective Minister’s Wife

* Success in Marriage (Co-Authored with Bishop David Oyedepo).