Faithfully Single

Thank you, Hmong District’s Alliance Women Ministries for allowing me to share a bit of myself as a single woman in the church and staying Christ-Centered. As I reflect on my journey in Christ, it hasn’t been the smoothest start or the easiest road. It definitely had set unique challenges, but navigating my life without God is so unknown to me now. Finding purpose, faith and growth in Christ has been the most humbling and honoring life I have prayed for. Staying Christ-Centered as a single woman comes with a lot of sacrifices; but sacrifices I was willing to make in order to gain and keep Christ as the Center of my life. Examining the deepest parts of my heart, continually being self-aware and have discernment in my life that reflects Christ in me; and allows me to draw near to him and aligning it with God’s will and purpose, for His glory and honor alone.

First thing I sought in my journey is learning and experiencing my identity in Christ. This is the most important and valuable piece in being Christ-Centered. While learning to cultivate a life that reflects God’s will and purpose for me, I was learning to build my character through Him. Being a single woman seeking to be God-Fearing and God-Loving isn’t for my kind of weakness, but His love is constant, and that gives me such strength to remain hopeful and open to whatever lies ahead. Every prayer, every quiet moment of reflection, and every choice that I have to make in my life is an act of trust in God’s perfect timing. God definitely brought me to my knees as I was searching for purpose. Not just believing but knowing wholeheartedly that I am loved, accepted and a worthy daughter of the Most-High King. What an honor it is to be called His child.  “I have called you by name, you are mine” Isaiah 43:1. And because I am His, He has blessed me with plenty. All Glory to Him. Through the many years, God has graciously given me many Sisters in Christ who exemplifies His love, forgiveness, grace and meekness. Building friendships and having healthy relationships with women who share the same faith has encouraged me to grow spiritually. It helped me to stay accountable, foster community, and create a strong support system. The goal is to continue to flourish, blossom and bear fruit for His kingdom. My Sisters in Christ whether they, themselves are single, married or widowed, remind me through my singleness to stay grounded in my faith and remain in a close relationship with Jesus through daily prayer, Bible study, devotion, worship and fellowship. “I am the vine: you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.

I find complete joy with God in my singleness. In the seasons before and ahead of me, I know the Lord has orchestrated such situations where he is already there, shaping and molding me for His kingdom. Surrendering all my desires and prayers to Him, fully trusting in His sovereignty blesses me with His peace and contentment. His timing is more valuable than mine. During this time of singleness, it allows me to serve my God, family, church and friends to the best of my capacity; as my whole self on my own, so that when it is God’s timing that I will be prepared to share my life and serve alongside with my future husband. Until then, I am called to remain rooted in my identity as a Child of God, be obedient to His call, and to live a purposeful Christ- Center Life as a single woman.

If I could encourage you as a single person in the local church, I empathized that often times we might not know where we belong. Stay encouraged that you are exactly where you need to be, in the family of Christ. Seek out your identity in Christ; build your faith and relationship with Him. Get rid of things in your life that are unpleasing and not glorifying to God. Start to build relationships with peers in the local church, find your spiritual gifts, pray for a mentor, take initiative, be present and plug yourself into the church, most importantly, stay obedient to the Lord and His calling for you. This is the greatest opportunity to build your servant heart and give help when needed with your Christ Family.  God will truly open a purposeful life for you to walk in with Him with added value in your life that glorifies God. Living intentionally with the Holy Spirit will allow you to serve God and others as the bigger picture God has planned for you.

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Pachia Chang

Pachia Chang is from Milwaukee, WI. She loves serving her church, Grace Hmong Alliance Church. Currently Pachia serves as a Single Adults/Career Ministry Leader. She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews. When Pachia knows that she’ll have a free day, she always plans to test out recipes, cooks, and bakes.