Day 2: When Freedom Fades: Discovering God’s Purpose - September 25, 2025

Audio By Carbonatix

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” 

— Proverbs 19:21 

When my children were very young, I had the opportunity to take some seminary classes for credit and at no cost! What an amazing opportunity! I thought I wanted to pursue my master’s in biblical counseling, and this was the perfect time for it. I eagerly signed up for my very first class.   

Week after week, I made my way to class and spent the evenings reading, doing homework, and writing papers. I loved it and I even got decent grades!  I loved the challenge of learning and the interaction in the classroom. I loved writing papers and reading. I loved it all!  

But there were some things I didn’t love.   

When I went to class a couple of times a week, I had to make sure my kids were taken care of for those few hours, and in the evenings, I heard myself tell my children, too many times, that I wasn’t able to be there for them because I was busy studying. So, when it came time to sign up for another class, I took time to evaluate my priorities and decided that, because of the ages of my kids and how much they needed from me in that season, I was going to need to put my dream of pursuing a master’s in biblical counseling aside.   

Even though the classes were free and seemed like a great opportunity, it became clear that being available to my kids was more important. There was nothing wrong with my desire to pursue my master’s degree, but I did not sense that I had the freedom to do that if I wanted to be faithful to my, even more important, calling as a mom.  

Being a mom and learning to prioritize our lives around that calling changes how we view even the best opportunities. We quickly discover that we no longer have complete control over our plans and our lives. We have other people to consider. It can be disappointing at times…and we may even feel like we are losing some of the most important parts of ourselves.  

But what if what feels like loss is God’s invitation into deeper purpose? 

Although it might seem we’ve lost so much after becoming a mom —freedom, spontaneity, time, energy, pursuit of dreams- God’s Word reminds us that our ultimate fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing our plans or holding onto control. True joy and purpose come when we surrender our will to God and His greater purpose. Jesus Himself modeled this when, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). In laying down His freedom, He gave us salvation. 

Motherhood is one of the places God trains us in this same posture of surrender. 

The Gospel and Freedom 

The gospel flips the world’s definition of freedom on its head. The world says freedom means doing whatever you want, whenever you want, and that we should have a bucket list, follow our dreams, and live our best lives now. But Christ shows us true freedom is found in surrender—freedom from sin, freedom from striving, freedom from the crushing weight of self. And our best life won’t be lived here on this earth but in eternity when we meet Jesus face to face.  

As moms, when our freedom fades, we are being shaped into the likeness of Christ, who laid down His life for us. Our daily sacrifices—the missed naps, the late-night feedings, the endless laundry, the dreams we’ve had to put aside for a while—become acts of worship when we remember the One who sacrificed for us. 

Motherhood presses the gospel deep into our hearts: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20;21 

What Can We Do? 

1. Learn a new definition of freedom. Freedom isn’t about schedule, spontaneity, or following our dreams—it’s about the freedom we have been given in Christ. Even when you feel like all you do is change diapers, pick up toys, and do another load of laundry, you can have a joyful heart when you remember that you are free from condemnation and to serve with joy. 
2.  Plant seeds of sacrifice every day. Every moment you “lose yourself” and serve your precious children is like planting a seed. You may not see fruit immediately, but God uses your daily faithfulness. You are living out the gospel in front of your children and being conformed into the image of Jesus. (Romans 8:29) 
3.  Ask God to change your way of thinking. Instead of focusing on what you feel you’ve lost or wish you could be doing, ask God to align your thinking with His. Ask Him to show you how He invites you into His purpose each day. The hidden, ordinary sacrifices of motherhood are never wasted. 
4.  Ask God to help you see His purpose in this season. Sometimes, purpose doesn’t look like we wish it would. There aren’t a lot of “Instagram-worthy” snapshots in the daily grind of motherhood. But holding your sweet baby when he’s crying, reading the same story for the 12th time to your toddler, or listening to your teen tell you about the drama at school are the hidden places where God is at work.  

Something to Think About: 

1. What are some things you have “lost” in the way of freedom, since becoming a mother?  
2.  Can you think of ways God might use this loss to accomplish a bigger and greater purpose? 
3.  What changes in your thinking do you think you need to make (with the help of God), so that it is more aligned with the gospel definition of freedom? 

Let’s Pray 

Lord, I confess that sometimes I resent the loss of freedom that motherhood has brought with it. I often cling to my own plans and dreams more tightly than Yours. Please help me see your purpose in this season and help me trust that it is better and greater than anything that I have imagined my life might hold.  Help me to joyfully sacrifice my freedom, and to see each sacrifice as part of your bigger purpose for my children and me.  Thank You that in Christ, I am truly free to serve, sow seeds of sacrifice, and rest in the confidence that your plans and purposes are so much better than mine.  Amen. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/skynesher

Gina Smith is a wife of 37 years, mom of 2, and grandma of 3. She is  a writer and author, writing her very first published book in her empty nest years. She has a passion to come alongside the younger generation to encourage them, strengthen them in God, and learn from them.  You can find Gina at her website www.ginalsmith.com, and her book Everyday Prayers for Joy can be found anywhere books are sold. 

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

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