Encouragement for Today - September 8, 2025

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September 8, 2025

Remaining as We Are
DANIELLE TREWEEK

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“Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NIV) 

Remaining where I am is not something I’m good at.

And why would I be? The world insists I shouldn’t be content. It tells me I should always strive to have more and be more. “Remaining” is seen as little more than “giving up.”

Yet my challenge to remain where I am is not just a worldly one. I also feel it as a Christian. If life in Christ is all about growing and maturing, then what good is it to remain where I am? Surely I shouldn’t be happy to settle for things as they are, right?

Christians in the ancient city of Corinth wrestled with similar questions. Many of them had been pagans, but their lives were completely changed by the gospel. Now they were anxiously wondering whether they needed to do something different, change something up, or make something more of their life situations to truly live for Jesus.

One thing they had in mind was their relational status. What did their newfound trust in Jesus Christ mean for their singleness, marriage, divorce, or widowhood? Regardless of which one of those situations they found themselves in, they were all wondering whether the gospel meant they needed to move on to something different — something more — in order to really live for Him.

The Apostle Paul’s response should be as much a balm for our restless hearts and minds today as it was for our ancient forebears. As he encouraged them to “remain in the situation they were in when God called them” (1 Corinthians 7:20), he reminded them that the same God who powerfully called them to Himself when they were single, married, divorced, or widowed was able to continue powerfully working for their good in exactly that same situation.

While it wasn’t wrong for them to change their situation, it also wasn’t always necessary — Paul knew that sometimes, what needs changing is not our situation but ourselves.* He also knew that the only One powerful enough to bring about that kind of internal, transformative change is the Spirit of God Himself.

This is such good news for the single Christian who wishes she were married. Or the married Christian who is struggling in her relationship with her husband. Or the divorced or widowed Christian who is grieving the end of her marriage. Of course, the sadness and pain of each of those situations are still very real. Yet because we know that God has promised to work in and through whatever life situation we are in, we can have confidence that He will do that.

When the world insists that we shouldn’t settle for where we are, God’s Word reminds us that we aren’t settling.

We’re remaining. Just as He has called us to.

Heavenly Father, when we’re anxious about wanting more for ourselves — about making more of ourselves — please give us the courage and conviction to know that we can remain as we are. Help us always to remain in Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

*Certain relationship situations call for a change. If you are in a dangerous situation, please reach out for support. We’ve provided a list of resources here.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

To think more about both why God calls us to remain and how we can faithfully go about doing that, particularly in relation to being single or married, check out Chapter 4 of Danielle’s new book, Single Ever After: A Biblical Vision for the Significance of Singleness.

ENGAGE

For more of Danielle’s thoughts on Christian singleness, sexuality, and more, visit her website or her Substack, or follow her on social media. You might also like to check out Single Minded, the ministry she directs.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Single Ever After by Danielle Treweek. To celebrate this book, Danielle’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, September 15, 2025.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV).

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV).

What is one aspect of your current life situation that is making it hard for you to remain? How might you trust God to help you do that today? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Danielle Treweek. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org