Your Calling Isn’t On a Deadline
I used to think by the time I reached a certain age, I’d have life all figured out. A thriving career, a picture-perfect relationship, a clear sense of calling. Instead, I found myself staring at my planner, wondering if I’d missed my moment.
Maybe you’ve felt that, too. The pressure to know exactly where you’re headed. The quiet fear that if you don’t “figure it out soon,” you’ll be left behind.
But here’s the truth I’ve had to remind myself: your calling isn’t on a deadline.
The Pressure to Know It All
Culture says success = speed and clarity. We live in a world that celebrates speed. We are told to graduate by this age and get married by this age. And if we don’t check off those boxes, it feels like we’re behind.
But God doesn’t measure our worth by milestones or deadlines. His timeline isn’t rushed like the world. In fact, sometimes His greatest work happens in the waiting. It happens when we least expect it.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” That means we can dream, plan, and pursue—but ultimately, God is the One sewing it all together.
Redefining Purpose
Purpose is defined as “why you do something or why something exists.” Purpose isn’t a one-time discovery. It isn’t about one big job title or milestone. Purpose is about living faithfully where you are—right now. You get to define this.
It’s in the small, consistent steps of obedience:
Choosing to show up for a friend who calls you.
Saying yes to serving in the hidden, unnoticed spaces.
Trusting God when your story looks different from everyone else’s.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has “plans to give you hope and a future.” But those plans don’t come with expiration dates or deadlines. They unfold in His time, not ours.
Give Yourself Permission to Pivot
Sometimes we believe purpose has to be crystal clear from the start. But the truth? It’s often revealed as we move. We see it as we take the first step. God doesn’t always give us the full map—just the next step. As we ground ourselves in scripture and in God, we will know the right step to take.
And that’s actually freeing. It means you don’t have to pressure yourself into “arriving” by a certain date. You can let go of the deadlines you’ve been carrying and lean into the God who is never late. He gives us grace, and you need to give yourself the same grace.f
One Small Step Today
Friend, if you’re feeling behind, I want you to hear this: you are not late. You are not less. You are not forgotten.
Your calling is not tied to a clock—it’s tied to Christ.
So instead of asking, “Am I behind?”—ask, “What’s one small, faithful step I can take today?”
Maybe it’s journaling for 10 minutes. Maybe it’s sending the message you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s simply sitting with God and asking Him to remind you of His love.
Whatever it is, know this: you’re right on time.
✨ Reflection Question:
What’s one small, faithful step you can take today toward the woman God is shaping you to be?