Episode Summary: 

A God-designed life doesn’t start when you say “I do” or when you get engaged or even when you meet “the one.” It’s been happening as long as you’ve been alive—even if you’re still single and wish you weren’t. Hannah Schermerhorn knows what it is like. She was months away from getting married when her wedding was called off. She feared being single again, but in the following years, God taught her many hard lessons that transformed her bitterness into authentic joy. Today we’re going to talk about how to live a single life without feeling lonely.

Quotables from the episode:

• A person’s identity is not that they are single but that they are loved by God. That means that God has a plan for them and is allowing them to be single right now for a reason. That means God is always with them and they are never alone.
• A lifetime is a long time to be married to the wrong person.
• We often believe the enemy’s lies about our seasons of singleness, but lies usually come out of the fears we have.
• Baggage is anything you carry around with you from your past that negatively impacts your present or your future.
• In your singleness, take comfort that God is currently working not only in you, but is also preparing your mate for marriage.
• Your “season” of singleness is going to be a tiny piece of your existence in comparison to an eternity of happiness with God.
• Singleness and non-singleness are equal according to God! Marriage is not an achievement that makes one more qualified as a human being; it is simply a different and equally important life path.
• God sees you in your heartache and pain. In your triggers and anxiety. You do not need to hold on to them alone.  God is with you and will help you as you take those first steps to unpack the baggage you have been carrying with you.
• We can acknowledge that the difficult feelings are there, but it is our choice whether we let them overtake our lives or give them to God and let Him fill us with joy and confidence.
• The world doesn’t expect singles to be happy, so when Christian singles can enjoy their life as is, it is a great evangelism tool!

Scripture References:

• Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.    
• 1 Corinthians 7:8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.
• Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Recommended Resources: 

• A Single Life to Live: Stop Waiting for Your Life to Begin & Thrive Where God Has You Today by Hannah Schermerhorn
• Hannah Schermerhorn Resources
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.)
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

Connect with Hannah Schermerhorn:

Website / Instagram / Facebook

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Hannah Schermerhorn is an author and speaker who lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her cat, Fritz. Her recent book, A Single Life to Live, is written to encourage and uplift singleness. It comes out February 14, 2023. Learn more at www.hannahschermerhorn.com.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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