Is Singleness like Wilderness?

 The Scripture repeatedly exhorts us to regard the wilderness not as a place of punishment, but as a place of deep purpose. The Israelites spent forty years in the wilderness. For some, the wilderness is a place of confusion, wandering, loss of clear purpose, and exposure to great risk. 

I remember when Professor Noli Mendoza, our bible subject teacher quoted: “Wilderness is a place of Testing”.[1] But I believed that more than testing, it is also a place of preparation. The series of geographical undertaking of the Israelites before they reach the Promised Land is one portion of God’s plan. I had a chance to browse the book, “Waiting on God” written by a female author named Cherie Hill. She quoted from Charles Spurgeon’s saying: “The Wilderness is the way to Canaan. Defeat prepares us for victory. The darkest hour of the night precedes the dawn.”[2] Considerably, for singles, wilderness is the metaphor of waiting room experience. At some point, it is a ground that gives the impression of uncertainty. Wilderness is also a place where one longs for the experience to be recognized and valued. Yet many pass over this chapter, dismissing it as insignificant or unworthy or attention. But in time, one comes to realize: the place to be is often right there- in the sacred in- between of asking and receiving- a period called waiting. A season not to be rushed, but reverently walked through.

On their way to Canaan, the Israelites grumble about the food, speak against their leaders, and at some point, wish they could return to the comforts of slavery. Each of which is punished by God through such things as plague and fire. Yet in every circumstance God also provides for His people’s needs in unexpected way. Exodus 13:17 proposes that God avoids shortcuts. When he delivered Israel from Egypt, “God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was near.” Warren Wiersbe, an author of the book God Isn’t in a Hurry expresses; “God took the long route for the good of his people, and he usually takes the long route today.”[3] Frequently, most of us reflect on the attitude of the Israelites. We always complain whenever it tarries. We question if our prayers were heard, or perhaps it just bounced on the ceiling. It is true that wilderness is obviously the toughest route for Israelites in order to enter the Promise Land. 

Similarly, singlehood is a chapter of life in which every person should not ignore. We have to enjoy this phase in order for us to enter into a satisfying relationship. Whatever happens in the wilderness, it is surely a necessary part of how God readies us before we face Him, with our partner, to the most awaited “Promise Land”.

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[1] Noli Mendoza, Book of Exodus: Introduction to the Bible Class Discussion, November 2011

[2] Cherie Hill, Waiting On God (USA: Create Space Publisher, Inc., July 2, 2011), 5.

[3][3] Warren Wiersbe, God Isn’t in a hurry; Learning to Slow down and Live (Michigan: Bakers Book Publication., December 1994), 15.