So here's that book review I told you all was coming. :)
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If I had to pick one single book other than God's Word that has impacted me more than any other, it would be this one. If you are looking for something more then mediocrity, if you feel God's calling on your life to rise above "normal expectations" and live a life poured out for others instead of self, then this book is for you.
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So many young Christian women/girls are sitting around waiting for "Prince Charming" to come around, wasting precious single years that they may never get back. They are caught up with the idea that they "gotta get married" quick because they won't be truly be fulfilled until they are. You know, life doesn't really start until you're married, right? Wrong. God created each one of us to be completely satisfied and content in Him alone. "And until we are content with Him alone, we aren't truly ready for an earthly romance that will stand the test of time."
When Christ is not our all in all, we try to find lasting satisfaction and fulfilment in an earthly romance, but we never will. Even the most godly man cannot satisfy the deepest longings and desires of my heart. Only Christ can. So if I expect to find my completion and satisfaction in man and not in Jesus Christ, he will always disappoint me!
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So, what do we do? Am I saying marriage is wrong? NO! But I AM saying that getting married before you've become completely content in the Lord Jesus, can bring major disappointment and disillusionment.
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Surrendering everything to the Lord is so important! All your dreams, desires, wishes...
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"...God [wants] everything, even the "good" desires of [your] heart."
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Excerpt from the book:
"No matter how our selfish, fleshly side feels about it, laying everything on the altar before our King, and allowing Him to do with our lives whatever He sees fit, is where true Christianity begins.
Our desire for marriage must be no exception. Let us not fall for ear-tickling, lackadaisical messages that require less than absolute abandonment to the One who gave His very life for us. He took up His cross, and He asks us to do the same.
Never forget...on the other side of surrender, we will find the greatest joy!"
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So many girls spend their high school years pining away for "prince charming", so when the first one comes a'calling, they snatch up their chance to live their childhood dream of being a wife and mother. A beautiful dream that when not fulfilled in God's way and in God's timing can bring heartache. It is true, that for most girls, it is God's will for them to be married and have a family.
But not for all. And for many girls, God has called them to singleness, whether that would last a year or a lifetime.
But not for all. And for many girls, God has called them to singleness, whether that would last a year or a lifetime.
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What are you doing with your single years? These years are a gift from God and for most of you they won't last for long.
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While you are single, you have special opportunities to accomplish great things for the kingdom of God that you may not be able to do when married.
1 Corinthians 7:34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.
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Don't waste these years. There are so many needy, hurting people in this world.
What can YOU do to make a difference?
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This review has only touched "the tip of the iceberg". There is so much more that Leslie Ludy discusses in the book. I would really recommend reading it. You can borrow it from me if you like, or you can order it from Amazon for under $11.00 including shipping.
Warning: You won't walk away from this book the same person.
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I would love to hear feedback, especially on this post. Even if you disagree with any of the points I've made, I would love to hear response!
To learn more about the Set-Apart Girl ministry, you can visit: http://setapartgirl.com/home.html
Hmmmm...sounds like it may be worth reading!! I haven't been impressed with any of Leslie Ludy's other books, but I'll have to consider this one!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your first point-- we need nothing more than our Savior!! He is all we need to be totally satisfied and content! Yet we so quickly look for that romantic relationship,instead of basking completely in the treasure of our Lord.
I feel sorry for all the guys who marry girls who expect their Prince Charming to make their life 'complete'-- the guy can never do that!! He will feel like a failure from day one when she realizes her life is still not 'complete'-- what a horrible way to start a marriage.
Life is a journey of joy and contentment in whatever season we are in-- a student waiting to graduate, a graduate waiting to get married, a wife/husband waiting for a child, a mother/father waiting for a grandchild.......etc.....
Our single years are so precious-- there is never a better time for cultivating strong sibling relationships than during your single years. Having endless time to invest in my siblings- both married and unmarried- is a luxury I wouldn't have if I was in a relationship!!
Well, I better end this-- it's getting to be quite long! Thanks for sharing the wisdom, and speaking so boldly, Grace!!
Love ya,
~Elizabeth
(You can remind me this in 6 months. :))
Oh! I really want to read this book! It looks really good!
ReplyDeleteWhen I finished reading "Set-Apart Femininity" (also by Leslie Ludy) I was blessed, challenged, and encouraged! I'm hoping to read more of her writings...
I agree with you and Elizabeth ... Even though I sure all of us desire to be married someday our single years are so precious and short. I pray that all of us would use them fully for God's glory and purpose.
"...The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband." - I Corinthians 7:34
Thanks for the review Grace! I was looking forward to it! I'm thinking I'll have to get the book a read it now...:)
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that many times we wish to be in a different stage of life than the one we are in now. Rather than siezing the moment and embracing where we are in life for all that it's worth, we spend the days longing for something(or someone :)) else. We don't see that Christ is truly ALL we need and in Him we are complete! To live a life totally in love with the Lord and content in His plans and path for us is something that I need to remind myself of.:)
Just as a question...has anyone read the Ludy's book on prayer? I can't remember what it's called right off but if anyone has I'd love to hear what you thought of it!