A Season of Purpose
by Calin Pettit
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV).
Discouragement fills my heart as I hear whispers of high grades fill the room. The ugly feeling deepens when my teacher’s praise seems to be directed at everyone but me. Phrases like “published author” and “contest finalist” cling to my despair. My hope of becoming an accomplished writer is fading before I can even graduate.
Each writer dreams of authoring the next bestseller at the top of The New York Times list. Right now, my dream consists of receiving an A on my next writing assignment. Sadness and anger consume me every time I feel a grade falls short of my efforts. Jealousy bubbles and simmers underneath my skin as other classmates receive higher grades than mine. I then cry, question the worth of my writing, and throw myself into a pit of despair. While I’m discouraged, I wonder why God would allow me to suffer these ugly feelings. I wonder how discouragement could offer anything good for the future of my writing career.
The answers I desperately need come from Ecclesiastes 3. The verses reveal, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” (v.1) and “He hath made every thing beautiful in his time” (v.11a).
My season of discouragement, anger, and jealousy has a purpose, even if I don’t see why. Although fear may instill reluctance to continue writing, God has a plan for me and my career. I cannot give into my thoughts and self-deprecation—cannot, and I will not—because I know that God’s goodness lies just beyond this mountain of a trial. I know that his divine plan has everything that I need.
So, when you feel as if you’re stuck in an endless season of discouragement, remember that God has planned this season for a purpose.
Lord, please help me see your purpose in this season of discouragement. Let me continue to grow, refine, and follow your will for my life. I know that you alone know what’s in store for me. Amen.
Calin Pettit is an aspiring writer from Dallas, Texas. She is currently a senior in an undergraduate program studying professional writing. She enjoys reading almost as much as she enjoys writing. Calin hopes to project God’s love and teachings through her works as she ponders her future writing career
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2 Comments
Good morning, Ms. Calin, your devotional plea touches me, reminding me of Gods faithfulness. Fifty years ago, I was in a similar place. Finishing my final year of college, I packed up my gear into a crappy old ’61 Ford and traveled many hours, anticipating entry into a fulfilling career in the creative world. And it didn’t happen. I worked in restaurants, in construction and various management positions, but never earned a single dollar from the BA degree. But I did meet Jesus. I found a good wife, raised bright, hardworking children and spent many years in construction administration and church building. The road I traveled is not the one I hoped for, but in so many ways took me to better places. In my sixties I began to write. I’ve been minimally published in a variety of online publications and presently associate with a fascinating group of Christian writers- The 540 Writers Community. Check them out on Facebook if you’re so inclined. The encouragement and fellowship is the thing. Also, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight.” Look to Him for open doors. I’ll add you to my prayers. Blessings from Jay in Virginia.
Mr. Frederick,
Thank you for being so encouraging and sharing your testimony. I’m sure that God had a very special plan for your life as He does for mine. Thank you for the recommendation, I will definitely check them out! Blessings!