"Counting On" star Jana Duggar has encouraged young singles to "be content and joyfully serve Jesus" wherever "God has us" - even though waiting can be difficult.
During an interview with Crown of Beauty, the 27-year-old Duggar daughter admitted that being single isn't always easy, particularly as her younger sisters Jill, Jessa and Jinger, have gotten married and moved away from home. Her sister Joy-Anna Duggar, who recently got engaged to Austin Forsyth, is only 19.
"Waiting is not always easy," she said. "Especially in those times when all the married siblings are getting together and you can't go along because you're not part of 'that' group. But waiting doesn't mean sitting and literally waiting. No, we need to be busy with where God has us...being content and joyfully serving Jesus there."
She encouraged others who, like herself, are "still at home", to dedicate their time to "ministry opportunities everywhere, even within the walls of one's house."
"Wherever God has you now, just be faithful to reach out, encourage and serve those around you," she said.
Jim Bob and Michelle's eldest daughter has been dubbed the "Cinderella Daughter" by fans eager to see her happily married, as she is reportedly expected to help out with babysitting and the rest of the household chores.
However, Jana said she enjoys serving and ministering to others: "As Jesus said and led by example, '...the greatest among you will be the servant of all,'" she said. "I've found that when I'm having a hard or discouraging day, I try to look for ways to bless or serve someone else. And in turn it usually blesses and encourages me!"
In the Duggar family, courtship is not entered into lightly, and includes strict rules and the intention that the couple is preparing to marry. Among the family's courtship rules are no hand-holding until engagement, no kissing until marriage, and chaperoned dates.
Jana earlier admitted to TLC that she has, in fact, gone through courting before, but decided against making it public -- unlike the relationships of her siblings.
She recalled how different types of men approached her but were turned down because they simply "haven't been the right one" and said she is determined to wait for her perfect match.
"There have been different guys come along and ask, but they haven't been the right one," she said. "It's just one of those things. I'm not just out to get married to the first one who comes along."
