Believing God for His Best: How to Marry Contentment and Singleness

by Bill Thrasher

What are you waiting for? If you're among the growing ranks of single adults, chances are you're waiting for Mr. or Miss Right. And while waiting is an important aspect of the Christian life, it's not easy. No one knows this better than Bill Thrasher. He spent almost two decades in adulthood before marrying his wife, and now shares the secret of successful single contentment.

Believing God for His Best is a personal story that will walk you through Thrasher's journey through singleness, and toward marriage. The anecdotal style, coupled with godly wisdom, will inspire singles to trust God for His best.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

About the author

also published under the name William L. Thrasher Jr.

Bill Thrasher has served on the faculty of Moody Bible Institute since 1980 and on the graduate school faculty since 1990, where he oversees the Master's Program in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship.

He is a frequent speaker in churches and retreats across the county. He has written numerous articles and several books on Christian Living. His books include, "Living the Life God has Planned: How to Know God's Will", "A Journey to Victorious Praying: Finding Discipline and Delight in your Prayer Life," and "Believing God for His Best: How to Marry Contentment and Singleness", published by Moody Press. Two other books he has written are, "The Attributes of God in Pauline Theology" and "Principles of Christian Living from Romans 5-8."

Bill and his wife, Penny, live in the Chicagoland area and have three sons.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was mercifully short.

Can I just stop right here and thank my parents? I grew up in a conservative home and my parents thought courtship would be a good way to go but whenever they talked about it they always said "It's going to look different for each person and we cannot limit God to a method or rules unless they are spelled out in the Bible." With that in mind, they didn't encourage me to read books like this, they encouraged me to pursue God and his calling on my life right where I was.

This book is one that, while it had a good idea behind it, made me roll my eyes so many times. Emotional purity, is I think a very dangerous idea. Yes, I believe that our emotions should not control us and there is a lot of wisdom not to feed our emotional attraction. However, this idea that having feelings for someone makes you less pure is not biblical and is honestly a dangerous concept.

I honestly got the feeling that Thrasher had the best of intentions when writing this book. Just some poor execution.

A also felt like he gave a lot more instructions for girls "dress modestly, stop wasting money on makeup, your inviting unwanted advances if you flirt" than he did for guys.

Ultimately, my dislike for this book came because it really wasn't about being content as a single, but on waiting and finding the right person for you with a pitch to make sure you're obeying your parents and a pitch for courtship on the side.

[Rebecca Feere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the benefits of both singleness and marriage and how to find contentment in either! This book is written from the heart. The author shares his personal journey of living in obedience to God (for many years as a single man) and of learning to wait for God's best in His perfect timing!

[Blenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Dr. Thrasher tell this story in person at a conference, and enjoyed it a lot. About 7 yrs later, I read this book! It's a very personal account, with godly principles, so if you're into detailed stories, go for it. You might be amazed at the patience with which he pursued his wife! He actually changed his original sermon to share this story with us instead, because he felt lead to do so.

[Denise Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book on singleness from man’s perspective. His wife wrote a chapter it would have been more interesting if she wrote similar chapters from her perspective. I liked part about how some people idolize marriage and sometimes place their security in relationships instead of God. Some of his practical applications seemed unrealistic to me. Interesting how he said some career choices are better done while single such as getting phd. It was new to me how male pastors are expected to be married to preach at church. Although it was titled being content in singleness it still talked about getting married some day and ironically had vows at end of book

[Missie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with some incredulity at his suggestions. Which in itself shows how far the departure from truth. Practical, sound, biblical. He wrote from his own experience and you can tell he understands the scenarios in depth. It’s a great book. Whether you’re a Christian or not, it will help you navigate the ever treacherous world of relationships.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book!!!! I learned so much!! Definitely one of my new favorites!

[Eva-Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth it for the last chapter alone.

[Naomi Azarcon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me new perspective about the purpose of my single season and how I can maximize my time while waiting for God's will to unfold in my life.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of this book is clearly summarized in the title. Bill Thrasher brings the biblical idea of waiting on God yet actively seeking Him into clear view. His personal testimony is unique and a little frightening from my perspective. One thing quite evident throughout this book is that God has a plan for each person. An individual relationship with God is vital for knowing His will and walking trustingly in His ways.

[Julyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really insightful book for fellow Christians who are stranded or struggling with relationship issues. Trasher is clear and forward about the common issues Christians often face with but have no clear idea how to overcome it all while staying aligned and guided by the faith.

[Jessika Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my perspective on dating and singleness. I refer back to Proverbs 24:27 on a regular basis. I really feel this book corrected some of my worldly views and approach to dating.