Navigating life at 40, without kids, and unmarried?!?!? How do I keep hope? It’s definitely a journey filled with uncertainties, but amidst it all, I find hope in God’s unwavering love. Let’s discuss the struggles, the prayers, and the victories along the way. I’ll be sharing my own vulnerabilities and offering tips on how to keep the faith alive, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. This episode is not just a conversation, but a part of my testimony, sharing how God’s grace sustains us through every season. This season may not be your season, but more likely than not you are in a waiting season for something you have been praying for and you haven’t seen any progress. Challenging to keep hope.

Be sure to grab my book called, Living With God in the Season of Ambiguity. This was all about my waiting season as far as my career and what to do with my life. God was like, just wait!

Verses to Help You Keep Hope

1. Faith and Perspective on Singleness and Childlessness:
   • Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
   • 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 – “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.”
2. Navigating Challenges:
   • Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
   • Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
3. Overcoming Doubts:
   • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
   • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
4. Finding Fulfillment and Purpose:
   • Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
   • Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
5. Maintaining Identity and Value:
   • Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
   • Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
6. God’s Faithfulness and Provision:
   • Psalm 34:10 – “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
   • Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
7. Advice and Encouragement:
   • Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
   • Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
8. Deepening Relationship with God:
   • James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
   • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
9. Impact of Supportive Community:
   • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
10. Hope for the Future and Trust in God’s Plan:
    • Proverbs 16:9 – “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
    • Jeremiah 17:7 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.”

Here Are Some Things You Can Do While in the Waiting Season

1. Prayer and Meditation: Spend dedicated time in prayer, seeking guidance, strength, and peace from God. Use this time to connect with Him on a deeper level and to listen for His voice.
2. Bible Study: Dive into the Scriptures to gain wisdom and insight. You can follow a specific study plan, explore a particular book of the Bible, or focus on topics relevant to your current season of waiting.
3. Fellowship: Connect with other believers through fellowship opportunities such as small groups, Bible studies, or church events. Building supportive relationships within the Christian community can provide encouragement and accountability.
4. Service and Outreach: Look for ways to serve others and spread God’s love during your waiting season. Volunteer at a local charity, participate in outreach programs, or simply show kindness and compassion to those around you.
5. Journaling: Keep a spiritual journal to document your thoughts, prayers, and reflections during this time. Writing can help you process your emotions, track your spiritual growth, and recognize God’s faithfulness in your life.
6. Worship: Engage in meaningful worship experiences through music, singing, and praise. Attend church services, listen to worship songs, or create your own worship space at home where you can focus on God’s presence.
7. Learning and Growth: Use the waiting season as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth. Read Christian books, listen to sermons or podcasts, and attend seminars or conferences that will edify and enrich your faith.
8. Fasting: Consider incorporating fasting into your spiritual practice as a way to draw closer to God and seek His will. Fasting can help discipline your body and focus your mind on prayer and dependence on God.
9. Nature and Creation: Spend time outdoors appreciating God’s creation and marveling at His handiwork. Use nature walks, hikes, or quiet moments in nature as opportunities for contemplation and connection with God.
10. Rest and Sabbath: Embrace the concept of rest and Sabbath as essential components of your spiritual life. Set aside time to rest physically, emotionally, and spiritually, trusting that God is at work even during times of waiting.