📖“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12
There are moments in my journey where I catch myself thinking, “I should be past this by now.”
I’ve done the healing work. I’ve faced the trauma. I’ve forgiven, surrendered, stepped into leadership, and chosen trust again and again.
And yet... I still get hurt. I still feel misunderstood. I still wrestle with overthinking or the sting of critique.
At first, I feel discouraged.
Then I hear a whisper in my spirit: “You haven’t failed. You’ve simply reached the next layer.”
That’s what it means to walk with God — not to arrive, but to abide.
Not to finish the work of becoming, but to stay open to His shaping hands.
He never rushes the process. He doesn’t measure me by how many lessons I’ve mastered.
He gently reveals the places I thought were finished — not to expose my lack, but to invite me deeper.
And so I pause.
Where have I believed the lie that “this should be done by now”? 🤔
Where have I decided I’ve “arrived” emotionally, spiritually, relationally — only to feel shame when I meet my own humanity again? 🤔
Maybe it’s in my fear of speaking up — I thought I was done with defensiveness, so now I go silent.
Maybe it’s in leadership — I said yes, so now I feel I must never struggle again.
Maybe it’s in my identity — I know I’m secure in Christ, so why does rejection still sting? 🤔
The truth is:
Healing is not a race. Growth is not a finish line.
God is not asking me to be finished.
He’s asking me to be faithful.
Reflection:
Where might I be living with a quiet “finish-line mentality”? 🤔
In what area am I frustrated with myself for still struggling — when God is simply inviting me into deeper grace? 🤔
Life Application:
Affirmation:
Creative Prompt:
Paint or journal a spiral instead of a straight path. Let each swirl represent a season of growth — what you thought was “done” that God invited you back into. Add words, colours, or Scripture verses to each turn. Let it remind you that deeper doesn’t mean delayed… it means beloved.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for being patient with me.
Thank You for not rushing my process or shaming my progress.
I confess the places where I’ve declared myself “done” out of fear, fatigue, or pride.
Help me stay open, tender, and teachable.
Give me the courage to re-enter the layers of growth You reveal — without self-judgment.
Thank You for finishing what You started in me, not on my timeline, but in Your perfect love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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