Single Parents in Pursuit of God

This book is primarily written to and for single parents. It can be used for individual study or small group discussion. Though many of the illustrations primarily depict women, I did not want to leave out the growing number of men who are raising their children alone. I commend you for taking up the mantle of fatherhood, no matter what the circumstances maybe. The recollections found within this book are merely there to illustrate the awesomeness of God in the midst of difficult situations. However, in biblical times a woman who was widowed or who was found with child because she was a concubine had no recourse. It was especially hard if she had no male relatives with the means to take her in. She was not always able to find employment, and if she did she was mostly likely to be a servant or a prostitute. Even today with the many advances that women have had, it is still difficult. Many single parents, in particular women, live below the poverty level. Even now a growing number of men are finding themselves in this position as well, striving to make ends meet. With a society that is deteriorating, the numbers of single parent households are sure to grow. With the statistics that indicate that children who are raised in single parent households are seven times more likely to become involved in drugs or drop out of school, more likely to become promiscuous, most likely to have a child out of wedlock; where does one go to find hope? That hope is found in the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Redeemer and friend. The one who always keeps His promises that He will NEVER leave or forsake you. And no matter how you became a single parent, or whether you are male or female, God is still concerned about you. He sees and cares about you and your children. Recently the Lord brought back to my remembrance the story of the three Hebrew boys they went before King Nebuchadnezzar, because they refused to bow down and worship the idol that he had set up. When he threatened to put them in the fiery furnace, they said to the King, “O Nebuchadnezzar, it is not necessary for us to answer you on this point. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be know to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image.” (Daniel 3: 16-18) I want you to know that God is able to deliver you, even though it may seem that he has forgotten you. You may feel that He lost your address and your telephone number. Know that He has not forgotten you. It may feel at times that you are in the midst of the furnace. Know this that He is in the furnace with you, and if you allow Him.