Held by Grace, A Story of God's Patient Purpose (Introduction)

In my youth, I sensed that God’s will for my life was being made known through a few relationships and friendships. But like many teenagers, the distractions of life clouded my vision and my ability to hear His voice clearly. I had heard others describe with certainty how God had called them to specific areas of service or occupation, and that was not my experience. My sense of calling felt quieter, less defined.

I now know that this view of God was shaped more by my misunderstanding than by who God truly is.

It may be easy to look back over my life and see what appears to be a story marked by delayed opportunities, but I have come to understand it instead as a story of extraordinary patience. Not my patience—His. Not my faithfulness—His. Even in seasons where fear shaped my choices, God never released His hold on my calling. He simply unfolded it more slowly, more deeply, and with far more preparation than I ever would have chosen for myself, had I known what He was doing.

There were years I misunderstood as detours. There were seasons I quietly thought of as delay. There were moments I believed I had stepped away from the very future God had shown me. But in His time He has done a gentle and sacred work in me. What I once interpreted as wandering, I now recognize as formation. What once felt like loss, I now see as timing shaped by His mercy and purpose.

Over the coming weeks, I would like to share pieces of this story—not as a testament to my own persistence, but as a witness to God’s grace, patience, and unwavering purpose. My hope is not simply to tell my story, but to offer encouragement to anyone who has ever wondered if it is too late, if they have missed God, or if the long middle of their life really mattered.

If that question has ever lived quietly in you, then this series-this story-is for you.