Chapter 3: Lady of Faith
- Where the Boys Are
Many single women spend their free time searching for the same kind of location chosen by Orpah. They attend schools because they can “see” the prospects. They join churches based on apparent ratios of men to women. They go to seminars, retreats, and conferences looking for the man of their dreams, only to demand a refund for the nightmare they often find (the ratio of women to men typically registered at retreats being 7 women to every 1 man).
Some women have changed churches because they were in a “no prospective mate” district. Others avoid churches under-stocked with available men. Can you relate? Some single women serve only one term on a mission field n never return because the ratio of available men to women shrinks even smaller on the mission field than their home church. What are we focusing on – the situation or the Sovereign One?
- Chance Rendezvous
A woman who takes the route of Orpah (sensual, logical sight) often invents ways for a “chance rendezvous” with the man of her dreams. She can be seen loitering in the very area that Mr. Right regularly frequents, hoping that he might finally notice her and the romance will begin. Such a woman might sing in the choir, not because she wants to make joyful noise unto the Lord, but because she wants a weekly chance to sit near the prospect (the single man) that her “sensual sight” has focused upon. Such impure thoughts for such a noble cause!
If the Lord wants to give you a man, He does not need your clever “chance rendezvous.” This is not advocating that you avoid men completely. You need to participate in activities that involve men n women, but be sensitive to your motives whenever you find yourself in the presence of “available men.” Consider this Scripture whenever checking your motives, and your pulse! Proverbs 16:2 says, “All men’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
You can prevent disappointing moments if you check your heart whenever you go to a singles’ activity. Much preparation (like taking a shower, putting on make-up, styling your hair, doing your nails, n choosing the perfect outfit) precedes one’s attending such activity, yet so little heart preparation does. The girl with sensual sight can become so obsessed with finding her guy that she neglects her inner self. Orpah’s style (logical sight) tends to become the norm, but Ruth offers an alternative to this vain search for Mr. Right. She demonstrates what it means to be a Lady of Faith.
- Eyes of Faith
The International Children’s Bible describes faith in this way: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for. And faith means knowing that something is real even if we do not see it” (Heb 11:1) Your hope cannot be put in some dreamed-up future. It must be in the God who knows your past, present n future, and loves you enough to give you the best.
Do you long to please Him? Then reconsider your circumstances and realize that what seems to be a hopeless situation (no prospects on the horizon) is just the flipside of the view thru “eyes of faith.” Sometimes in an attempt to be A Lady of Faith, one can get sidetracked trying to hurry the “male order delivery” process.
In order to have “eyes of faith,” you may have to use a spiritual eye wash to remove the debris that the enemy has dropped into your eye. The Lady of Faith will have times when her secure eyes of faith begin to blink into an anxious twitch of insecure, sensual sight. She can admit her insecurity to her Heavenly Fiancé and He can calm the twitching eyes. Spending some quality time in the Word is the best “eye wash” for “eyes of faith.”
- Divine Encounter
If Jesus wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Consider His wisdom n love in comparison to your own wisdom n self-love. In whom are you going to trust – all Wisdom n Everlasting Love or little ol’ finite you?
- Meeting Across Continents
Your circumstances n geographical location do not threatened God’s will and purpose. Just as God brought Eve to Adam, Rebekah to Isaac, Ruth to Boaz, and someday the Bride of Christ to Himself, He will one day bring Mr. Right to you if you r to be married. This is true regardless of your unique situation. Your location or your occupation may not make you very accessible to available godly men, but these roadblocks do not handicap God. Time n time again, we have had the privilege of watching God bring a wonderful godly guy into the life of a Lady of Faith. He seems to suddenly appear out of nowhere.
You make the most important decision in life, giving your life to Jesus Christ, “by faith.” The second most important decision also demands the element of faith. Waiting for one’s life-mate and then saying “I do” to him demands secure faith, like Ruth’s faith in the God of Israel. Elisabeth Elliot said in Passion & Purity:
“I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear
uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered
question, lifting the heart to God about it
whenever it intrudes on one’s thoughts.”
1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” Just go to Jesus as soon as the intruder arrives. Such a practice will only enhance your life as a Lady of Faith!!
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