I'm sure you've heard high blood pressure described as the silent killer because of the way it damages the heart and arteries without symptoms.
But there's another silent killer.
Shame.
I can think of no bigger silent killer of dreams and callings than shame...
... because once shame grips your soul, it sends you into hiding and keeps you from seeing and doing the work God has for you.
Shame has functioned this way from the beginning.
When Adam and Eve sinned, they took cover and put their energy into coping with their shame... rather than beautifying the garden.
In a similar way, when we've done wrong -- or been wronged -- we end up quietly managing our shame instead of fulfilling what God calls us to do.
But God provides a covering for our shame... to restore us both in our relationship with Him and the best work He has in mind for us.
He first did this with animals skins...
... and this foreshadowed the far greater covering found in Jesus Christ.
Never let shame keep you from God's calling on your life.
Let Him cover you by His grace.
And then get on with fulfilling the place He has for you in His kingdom.
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 139:23-24