Single & Ready to Mingle (Part II)

The question was asked in Part I “Why is it that when we experience dry periods; we don’t automatically turn to God?” The reason I have been told and also have experienced is because we are use to fighting our battles and being in control of our own situations and problems. Before knowing God or strengthening our relationship with Him; we took matters into our own hands and instead of having to trust or depend on someone else; we felt as if we were adequate enough to resolve our own issues. We had enough confidence in our self to rectify any catastrophic events that occurred. Trusting God or having faith the size of a mustard seed wasn’t on our agenda. Certainly God is real but allowing Him to take our life and do as He pleased was quite difficult especially when you are used to doing it on your own. But how many of us have tried doing it on our own and still left in the dry period with no answers and no way out. Once you realize that your life is going in circles; you have to figure out how to take advantage of that dry period in your life without once again abandoning God. I will list four ways you can take advantage of the dry period in your life that will not only help you turn to God but stay in close fellowship with Him. #1- Obedience: Spending time with God. As it is in the natural; so is it in the spiritual. You have to spend time with God to get to know who He is and to help strengthen your relationship with Him. Spending time includes reading your word, praying, meditating, fasting when necessary, fellowshipping with other believers etc; not five hours a day but giving God quality time. I hear some religious Christians go on and on of how many hours they spend praying, fasting or how they get up at the wee hours of the night or morning to pray. God isn’t so much concerned about quantity; He wants us to spend quality time with him; rather it is 5 minutes or 5 hours; He wants any amount of time spent to be worth your while. The same way we dedicate quality time to our work, families and having fun; we should do the same in our relationship with God. (Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 1:19)

 #2 - Consistency: Being constantly consistent in your walk. You have to make up in your mind that you will trust God wholeheartedly despite of what is going on around you. You have to be diligent in your walk and not allow external happenings to turn you away from God. We hear some of the old saints say that they had to keep pressing on. How true that is for us today; we have to keep pressing and know that our end will be better than our beginning if we remain consistent. (1 Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 1:16)

                                          My little sister's track team Victory Shot after defeating
                                          a 21 year winning streak with several years of hard work
                                          and healthy eating from each team member & a great coach.

#3 - Determination: You have to make up your mind to stay on the straight and narrow and live within God's boundaries. You have to set limits in your life and know when to break away from certain things and people that will only cause you to astray from God. You can still have fun and live out loud but still maintain a healthy relationship with God. Be mindful of your conversations and be aware of red flags (signals you get from your inner self when making a choice or decision). Just because everyone else is doing it; that doesn’t mean that you should also. Know your limits and stay within them no matter what temptation may come your way. Your guaranteed reward is worth the wait. (Romans 8:18)

                                                         My son determined to get the weight
                                                         up.  You can do it Gee!

#4 - Accountability: Having an accountability partner is encouraged because you have someone looking out for your best interest. This person understands your walk and will do anything to make sure you don’t fall by the way side. This person will not encourage you to live your life as you please, but will ensure you are living a life pleasing to God. They know that this time in your life is crucial for growth and is willing to do anything in their power to see that growth take place. (James 5:16) Taking advantage of the try periods is all about will power; what are willing to do to experience God like never before? Giving God your all during this time is the best thing decision you can every make. I look at it as beating the odds and tearing down Satan’s camp. It's a win win situation and losing is not on the agenda. Until next time; continue to be blessed as you come out of your dry period!!!!

                                          One of my accountability partners from undergrad.
                                          I am not sure how I would have done it on my own.