Grace to Grow: Release Anxiety and Find PurposeSample

Full Term

Lizzy panicked as she called Manny for the eighth time from the doctor’s office. Pregnant with her first baby, she had started to bleed earlier that morning. The doctor had left the room after confirming Lizzy’s fear: the baby no longer had a heartbeat. In ten minutes, her hopes were hushed by a silent ultrasound screen. Now she sat on the examining table, phone in hand and alone.

Like Lizzy, over 20 percent of pregnant women miscarry. I am one of those, and possibly you are too. I often hold hands and pray with people who experience the heartache of staring at a silent screen. During future pregnancies, these precious ladies can be racked with the fear of losing another child. Past experience robs them of the wonder found in their season of waiting.

Many women fear miscarrying spiritually too. There are hopes and dreams that the Lord implanted into our souls. But what if we lose them? What if their destinies are cut short? I, too, have lamented over possibly losing my purpose, miscarrying my calling.

The Scriptures are filled with people who failed before they ever succeeded. Sarah dismissed the idea that God would give her a child but later gave birth to her firstborn son. Moses was called by God to bring his people out of captivity. Before becoming a deliverer, he committed murder. Forty years later, he was given a second opportunity and led 2.5 million people to freedom. The apostle Paul persecuted Christians before he encountered Jesus. God later used Paul to spread the gospel to two continents and write two-thirds of the New Testament. Despite their failures, God secured their assignments until their maturity matched their purpose. God protected their promise until it was time to be delivered.

Waiting seasons are meant for preparation. God is not being cruel when he withholds a calling. He is equipping you to carry your promise to full term. The words of the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 1:12 offer encouragement in the waiting. Trust in God when your dreams seem delayed. The one who placed them inside you knows the proper time for fulfillment.

Fear of failure, regret of lost time, and shame of sin all want to cancel our callings. If we’re not careful, we’ll believe their lies. They sell slander such as You’re not good enough for this, You’ve missed your opportunity, and You’re going to have to earn forgiveness first. Friend, God is too big to let you fail. He is the author of time and redeems it in your favor. There is no magnitude of sin that measures up to God’s grace. Those lies are not for you. All of God’s goodness is made available on your behalf. The Lord can keep the dreams hidden inside of you safe from harm. Stay by Jesus, and he’ll deliver you to your destiny.

Pause to Reflect

• God has dreams hidden inside you.
• The Lord is powerful enough to protect your purpose.
• Seek God in your season of waiting.

Pause to Pray

Lord, help me when I feel I’ve lost my calling. I surrender my faults and failures to you. I trust you to protect the secret dreams inside me. Guard them until your appropriate time. I want to walk hand in hand with you as you guide my steps. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.