God’s Timing, Your Calling: When Long-Held Desires Won’t Let Go
2 Kings 4:16 (pictured) verse captures a deeply human moment: a woman afraid to hope again. The Shunammite woman had shown great kindness to the prophet Elisha, even building a room in her home for him. She didn’t ask for anything in return. In fact, when Elisha asked how he could bless her, she insisted she had all she needed (2 Kings 4:13). And yet—God saw a hidden desire in her heart and chose to speak to it.
Her immediate response? “Don’t lie to me.” Not because she didn’t believe in God’s power, but likely because she was protecting herself from disappointment. How often do we do the same?
What Long-Held Desire Are You Afraid to Revisit?
Do you have a God-given desire you’ve tucked away, convinced it’s too late or too far out of reach?
Friend, I want to remind you: that desire may very well be planted by God—not because you’re capable in your own strength, but because He desires to display His power through you (Ephesians 3:20).
I’ve wanted to write for years. My journals overflow with prayers, thoughts, and stories. I’ve shared this passion with others and often heard, “You should write a book!” But my inner dialogue was filled with doubt:
"Are you kidding me? Me—write a book?”
There were seasons I couldn’t write a single word. I questioned whether the dream was from God or just my own ambition. But even in the quiet, the desire remained, surfacing daily.
Now I know—it was never about my ability. It was about His calling.
If God Calls You, He Will Carry You
Here’s the truth: God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
He shapes His vessels through seasons of silence, surrender, and sanctification. Like the potter with the clay (Isaiah 64:8), He molds us into what He has always purposed us to be.
Like a butterfly in the cocoon, transformation often happens in hidden places. Growth may not be seen right away—but it’s happening under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1).
The Shunammite woman didn’t ask for a child, but God knew her heart. He wasn’t just giving her a gift—He was demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty. And later, when tragedy struck, that same faith grew into bold confidence (see 2 Kings 4:20–37). Her journey didn’t end at fulfillment—it continued in dependence on God.
What Keeps Resurfacing in Your Spirit?
What’s the “thing” that keeps resurfacing—even daily?
Maybe it’s a ministry, a message, a mission, or a move. Maybe it’s creative, relational, or deeply spiritual.
Bring it before the Lord. Lay it down. Pick it up again—with Him.
God’s timing is perfect. He wastes nothing—not your waiting, not your wondering, and not even your writer’s block. If He spoke it, He will fulfill it (Numbers 23:19).
“By this time next year,” may the Lord breathe new life into buried desires and long-silenced hopes. And more than accomplishing the “thing,” may you see how He is growing you in trust, maturity, and Christlikeness through the process.
Thank You, Father, for molding and equipping each of us for Your glory. May we never forget that it is You who works in us, both to will and to work for Your good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Amen.
Ponder & Pray Through These Scriptures:
📖 Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord’s direction
📖 Isaiah 64:8 – You are the Potter, we are the clay
📖 Matthew 6:33 – Seek first His kingdom
📖 John 17:17 – Sanctify them by the truth
📖 2 Kings 4:8–37 – The full story of the Shunammite woman
📖 Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
Meet the Author
Sharon Milius
Sharon and her husband, Chad, reside in Durant, Oklahoma. As a devoted homemaker, she cherishes her quiet time with the Lord, spending hours each morning in His Word—a sacred time she fiercely protects. Sharon has a deep desire to write in a way that glorifies the Lord, whether through a book, a Bible study, or both, and she sees this opportunity as a step in that direction.
Beyond writing, Sharon enjoys gardening, walking, helping her husband on the ranch, and spending time with her two beloved Border Collies. She also finds great joy in traveling to visit their adult children, fellowshipping with friends to grow in Christ together, and, of course, savoring a good cup of coffee. A simple pleasure she delights in is hanging laundry on the clothesline on a bright, sunny day.
Sharon is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Daughter of Delight in bringing glory to God and is excited for the journey ahead.
