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Today, I’m honored to be hosting newly published author, Allison K. Flexer, who also happens to be a member of my online writing group, the Story Circle. While Allison’s book is a gift to the single woman in particular, her message will resonate with anyone who has had a hope deferred or a dream just out of reach. Just as I’ve shared about the crazy times in my family’s life over the past year, below Allison echoes that we can trust God to save the day, even if it isn’t according to our outline and our schedule. Enjoy!

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by Allison K. Flexer

I started writing a book for single women when I was 33 and single. For the next three to four years, I wrote and re-wrote my manuscript. I pitched it to many Christian publishing houses, receiving good feedback but no publishing offers. On the single woman front, I dated a lot of guys. Things never really clicked, but I refused to settle. I felt like time was running out on my dreams, the one about getting married and the one about publishing a book for single women.

Then, 2013 happened: a year of amazing grace. I stand in complete awe of God’s timing!

I started dating Michael in the fall of 2012. We grew up on the same street as kids in the same small hometown. I hadn’t seen him in about 20 years when we ran into each other at a birthday party. He started pursuing me and it quickly became obvious that God was doing something big. As we fell in love, I completely forgot about my book for single women.

Michael asked me to marry him in April 2013, and we started planning our November wedding, bought a house, and took care of all the things that go along with merging our lives together at the ages of 37 and 41! About three months before my wedding, I received a crazy phone call. At first, I thought it was a prank. Beacon Hill Press called me and said they found my book proposal from years prior and wanted to publish my book for single women!

Two huge answered prayers and life-changing events occurred within a matter of months. I felt unequipped to receive so much grace at once. After so many years of yearning and pleading, how do I communicate my gratitude to God? How do I tell him I’m sorry for doubting his faithfulness?

Today, I’ve been married for almost a year and just celebrated the release of Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman. This past year has taught me so much about the extent of God’s love for me (and for you). Looking back, I see why God delayed these events in my life. He had a beautiful plan, and I’m so grateful I didn’t settle for less than his best. His timing was different from mine but much better than I could have anticipated.

As a married woman, I’m more thankful for the period of singleness in my life. My husband and I were both single for a long time, and we often talk about how it makes us more grateful for each other. We don’t take our relationship for granted. Even on tough days, we know the grass isn’t greener on the other side.

I want to emphasize that singleness really is tough, especially in your thirties. I don’t want to minimize it now just because I’m married. Marriage doesn’t solve all your problems, but with the right spouse, life becomes less lonely and easier in many ways. I share this to encourage singles to keep looking for the right person and also urge them not to lose hope, especially on those days when it’s hard to envision God’s plan.

Married or single, whatever you’re waiting for right now, God has a beautiful plan for your life. You can trust him to show up!

What hope deferred or dream out of reach is burdening you right now? How has God come through for you in the past?

Allison K. Flexer is an author, speaker, and blogger who is passionate about communicating the love of God to others. Her first book, Truth, Lies, and the Single Woman (Beacon Hill Press), tells the story of her single journey and gives practical steps for letting go of the lies that destroy the joy and confidence of unmarried women. Allison was also a contributing writer for Fulfilled: The NIV Devotional Bible for the Single Woman. You can connect with Allison on her website at AllisonFlexer.com or on Twitter: @allisonkflex.

From now through October 15, enter to win your own copy of Allison’s Truth Lies and the Single Woman on Goodreads!

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