Does God Single Us Out?

      By Fern Horst

"And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:35b-40)

It's a question that has been asked by many Christian singles: If God "singles out" some of us to be single, even though He created us physically, relationally, and emotionally for marriage, on what basis would a loving and just God do this?

A similar question could just as easily been asked by those referred to in the last verses of Hebrews 11, a chapter that points out the heroes of faith throughout the Old Testament. In the first 35 verses, person after person was mentioned who, because of their great faith, accomplished many amazing things and were the recipients of many marvelous miracles. But the last verses point to those who did not receive the reward of their faith this side of heaven. Did they wonder why their loved ones were sawed in two or killed with a sword, while others' loved ones were raised from the dead?

And, a similar question could just as easily be asked by many Christians today who do not have the luxuries that Christians in other parts of the world have: freedom to worship without persecution, plenty of food and water, nice homes, and opportunities for education and income. I wonder if persecuted and destitute Christians ever wonder why they were singled out to born where they are, rather than where there would be freedom of worship and ease of living?

These questions remind me of another question in one of my favorite hymns, Am I a Soldier of the Cross:

"Must I be carried to the skies On flow'ry beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize, And sail'd throu' bloody seas?"

Indeed, why should I have everything exactly the way I want it and sail to heaven on flowery beds of ease, when many soldiers of the cross who have gone before us lived lives of suffering, struggle and heartache?

Nothing in this earthly life matters if the end of our journey does not take us to heaven. Many people who had much in this life went to their death beds not knowing Christ. I shiver when I think about what they faced after they drew their last breath. Others who suffered much for Christ may have died destitute by this world's standards, but immediately went to their reward in heaven and to spend eternity with Him.

Which brings me to this conclusion: a loving God gives us exactly what we need to fulfill the purpose for which He created us. That may mean having or not having a spouse, it may mean struggling financially or having an abundance from which to give as the Lord leads. Personal suffering often leads to a richer ministry to others. God allows what He knows will best equip us for the work for which He has created us. Furthermore, while not having a spouse, or the freedom to worship, or plenty of food to eat, may seem unfair in light of the fact that other Christians have these things, 100 years from now when we're all in heaven it won't matter to us. It won't matter whether we served God while married or single, whether we died of old age or were beheaded for our faith, or whether we ate meat and potatoes or rice and beans.

Let's not focus on what we have or don't have, and whether or not God is loving because of it. But rather, let's ask ourselves, am I a faithful soldier of the cross? Because at the end of our earthly journeys, that's all that will truly matter.

© 2007 Fern Horst

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