My daughter Wendy stood in her wedding gown before the full-length mirror. She and her bridesmaids chatted excitedly as they prepared for the very important day.

I wanted to join in. As the mother-of-the-bride, I should – should what? I panicked. I didn’t feel ready for this responsibility. Only a few months earlier, I had begun my journey out of decades of severe chronic anxiety disorder.

I tried to say something mother-of-the-bride-ish, but instead I just stood there – almost unable to move or speak. The familiar panic swooped down on me, catching me off guard. After years in and out of mental hospitals, my confidence was gone.

Taking a deep breath and forcing my feet to move as I walked across the room, I pretended to search for something in my purse.

Thankfully, my sister Teri entered the room. I mouthed “help.” My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. Recognizing the situation, she discreetly coached me through everything I needed to do over the next several hours.

I felt disappointed that I wasn’t where I wanted to be emotionally, but I thanked God that I was at least better than I had been a few months earlier. A reassuring peace settled over me, knowing I’d be even stronger a few months down the road.

As I was learning to trust God’s Word – rather than live by my emotions – I felt confident that He was finally beginning His miracle. He was helping me become the stable person I had prayed to be for so many years. And now, many years later, I rejoice in His finished work!

Well – almost finished work. He still has more work to do in me.

Philippians 1:6 (ESV) says,

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

God will never stop working in us to make us the person He has designed us to be. He will perfect any area of our lives that isn’t fully surrendered to Him. I firmly believe that as we place our trust in His Word and yield to His grace, we’ll see Him bring about dramatic changes in us.

Even when we don’t see changes as quickly as we would like, it’s nice to know He doesn’t quit on us.

And He never will.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• When have you experienced God’s faithfulness in areas of your life you’ve long wanted to change?
• How did that faithfulness help you keep going?

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