September 19, 2017 Issue #138

Satan and singles: What you need to know

In this month's feature article, we're going to look at Satan and singles. While it's important not to become paranoid about Satan, it's also wise to recognize him as the threat that he is.

Lots of bad things happen to single people, and Satan is behind some of them. He accuses you of being worthless because you're not married. He makes you afraid. When you feel depressed, Satan tries to convince you even God doesn't love you.

You can get a close-up look at Satan's tactics when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Matthew 4:1-11. His methods haven't changed in thousands of years because they work.

You don't need to fear Satan, however, because Jesus defeated him once and for all when he died on the cross. We live not in the false accusations of the devil but in the forgiveness of Christ's love.

Satan is a cunning but defeated foe. See what he's up to in the lives of single people all over the world in Satan is real.

Give it another try

Setbacks are stepping stones in disguise,
when victories pass you by.
Gather your strength, calm your mind
and give it another try.

You can make your way if you persevere.
Don't hang your head and cry.
Defeat is for the ones who quit;
So give it another try.

Your next attempt may take the prize,
so keep your spirits high.
Change the way you're doing things
and give it another try.

~ Jack Zavada, 2017 ~

September's QOTM? That 'anonymous' guy!

You know about stealth jets. They don't show up on radar. In the same way, Satan is the "stealth enemy" of single people. He won't show up on our danger radar if we think he doesn't exist.

But like a stealth jet, he's really there, and he'll sneak in under your defenses to wreak serious havoc. Jesus dealt with Satan by exposing his lies. Jesus quoted the Bible to the Devil, shining the light of truth on him.

When we singles know the truth of God's love for us, we won't be tricked by Satan's accusations of fear and doubt. God's love beats Satan every time.

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Putting complaints in perspective

Single people, like you and me, can get wrapped up in our own little world. If we want a spouse and God has not answered that prayer, we can feel as if he is punishing us. God did not punish the people devastated by the hurricanes, and he is not punishing you. Bad things happen because this world has been ruined by sin. It was ruined long before we were born, and it will be ruined long after we're gone. The good news is that Jesus Christ is the path to heaven, where everything is right.

Heaven is real. But in the meantime, we have to lean on God during our trials in this world. Remember that, no matter what happens to you. God is your sustainer. He can help you go on after a hurricane and all the other disappointments in life.

If you haven't donated yet to help the folks affected by these tragedies, you can give to the Salvation Army or the American Red Cross. Even $5 or $10 will be a great help. Thank you!

Why some pastors will never get it

Honestly, the evangelical church doesn't know what to do with single people. It's still stuck in the ancient Jewish tradition that marriage and a big family make you more pleasing to God. That's simply not true.

A single pastor is as rare as a hillbilly at the ballet. Churches don't hire them. Married pastors hear the old teaching at seminary that marriage is the highest calling for a lay person, and most of them repeat that their entire career. That's just not true, either, and it needs to stop.

Sadly, some things never change and we need to adjust ourselves to live with them. You can tolerate this kind of prejudice in only one way: Remembering how Jesus Christ feels about you. He loves you passionately. He was single, he knows what it's like to be single, and he understands you perfectly. You are loved and valued by God, and that's what really matters.

If you have a comment on that issue or this newsletter, drop me a line using our secure contact form

It's getting close! My new paperback book, Hope for Hurting Singles will be out soon. It's a completely revised and updated version of the Kindle edition. Watch for all the exciting details in next month's newsletter!

That's it for now, fellow singleton. Until October,

Jack Zavada