November 2024
Issue 224

Determination alone isn't enough

We single people like to tackle tough challenges—maybe to prove something to somebody. Never mind that we don't know what we're proving or that we don't know who we're trying to impress. It just feels good to win.

But as November's Quote of the Month points out (see below), determination is relatively unimportant when you're following Jesus Christ. That's because first, we're natural-born sinners, and no matter how determined we are, we just can't stop. Second, Christianity is the exchanged life. That means the more we surrender our will to God, the more Jesus will flow in and live his life through us. That, my friend, is when the real excitement begins.

You can still do great things in your career and hobbies, and I hope you do!

When it comes to determination in the Christian life, though, this month's feature article will clarify how God provides the backbone to bring you spiritual victory.

Let's dig in!

The biggest mistake

But when it comes to the Christian life,
just the opposite is the case.
We don't accomplish much on our own.
It's all a matter of grace.

We fight and struggle to do our best,
but that's not how it's meant to be.
It's only when you surrender to God
that you'll come out with victory.

God's strength is always waiting,
his power is ready to loan.
The biggest mistake that you'll ever make
is trying to go it alone.

Yes, life can be painful and lonely,
but Jesus will stand by your side.
Every day let Him lead the way.
your Friend, your Savior, your Guide.

~ Jack Zavada, www.inspiration-for-singles.com, 2024 ~

These quotes for singles will lift your spirits!

There are about 15 quotations pages on the site. Today, 19 years later, they're still among my top-rated pages. It's easy to see why. They offer little nuggets of wisdom from some of the sharpest minds in the world. And they're fun!

And hey, if you enjoy these quotes, or this newsletter in general, why not forward it along to a single friend?

The site wouldn't be complete without quotes for singles. Enjoy!

Are you your own worst enemy?

That's a quotation from Hope for Hurting Singles. When I wrote it, I looked back on my life and realized that one of my worst habits when I was young was being my own worst enemy. Does that apply to you too?

You may not know until you read this book. Very likely you won't be able to recognize those self-destructive behaviors in yourself. You'll need an objective person to point them out to you.

Now Hope for Hurting Singles is NOT going to beat you up. It's a positive, encouraging guide to the single life, but it's also realistic. It shows you, in practical, step-by-step terms, how to get out of your own way. You'll learn how to spot when you're hurting instead of helping yourself and what to do about it.

If you've seen these ads before, you may be thinking, "I already have a pretty good handle on my life. I don't need that book." Are you sure, or could it be that secretly you just don't want to change?

There's always room for improvement. That's what the Christian life is all about, but it's growth sparked by the Holy Spirit. That's what makes Hope for Hurting Singles different from all the self-help books you've read.

It's $10.99 from amazon.com or $3.99 for the Kindle version. Get it—then get ready to get out of your own way!

QOTM: What matters?

I would argue that the kindest old saint in your church is more successful than the godless billionaires we're always reading about.

Jesus Christ was not impressed by wealth. My guess is that he is not impressed by Academy Awards, Super Bowl rings, sold-out concerts, or luxurious mansions. If you read the Bible, you can learn what matters to God: Love the Lord with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Examine your life. What are you pouring your energy into? Examine it now. Don't wait until you're old then look back in horror. Do things that matter for eternity.

Surrender to God: Yeah, how scary is that?

We singles, especially, have trust issues. We've been hurt so many times that we put up a wall. We don't ever want to go through that pain again. When we get disappointed by God, a devastating sense of disillusionment overtakes us.

What is always the case is that we either misinterpreted the situation or do not have enough facts to understand what actually happened. Even though it sometimes doesn't feel like it, God is good.

So we hold out. We protect some little degree of control. We have the crazy notion that if we make all the decisions, maybe we can spare our self from further heartache.

Believe me, friend, it doesn't work. Only by going all in can we get the full blessing God has for us. Yeah, I know it's scary, and our naturalness screams at us not to do it, but it really is the only way.

Here are some thoughts to help you surrender to God.

God loves you no matter what

I was reminded of that recently when a friend experienced complications after heart surgery. She is a wonderful Christian woman, wise, kind, and committed to serving Jesus. Her suffering is a mystery.

In your own life, you may have wondered what was happening when hard times hit. After the initial shock of asking why God allowed it, we sometimes ask "Is God punishing me?" God sometimes disciplines his children but does not punish us.

God's love is strong, forgiving, and consistent. I can't explain why bad things happen to good people other than to say we live in a world that has been ruined by sin since the Fall of Adam. The wicked prosper while godly people hurt.

Life can be discouraging, but God is faithful even when it doesn't feel like he is. Our feelings can't be trusted, but God can.

The cross is God's lasting reminder of his love for you. Look to it when you need encouragement, and remember the promise of Psalm 34:18:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)

Thanksgiving from a different angle

Every person on this planet has the same immense problem: sin. It's our biggest problem because we, as human beings, can't do anything in our own power to solve it.

That's why we need a Savior, and that is what every Christian single should remember this Thanksgiving. Thanks be to God you and I don't have to worry about our eternal future. Jesus Christ solved that problem for us on the cross 2,000 years ago.

Yes, I know you have other big problems in your life. Some of them seem insurmountable, but let's look at the "glass-half-full" angle this Thanksgiving. You can sleep peacefully at night knowing:

* God loves me;
* My salvation is secure;
* God is sovereign (in control);
* The Holy Spirit is my minute-by-minute Helper.

If you live in a country that does not celebrate Thanksgiving, that shouldn't prevent you from enjoying it every day. Thanking Jesus for his sacrifice should be a regular part of your prayer routine. God appreciates grateful followers.

And that, fellow singleton, wraps up our November newsletter. Christmas is coming and with it the inevitable stresses. Do something kind for someone else, because when we're a blessing to others, God blesses us.

Here's our secure contact form if you want to drop me a line: email Jack.

Thanks for allowing me to visit you again! See you in December,

PS: Not a Christian yet? Find out how to become a Christian.