What is my story?

I accepted Jesus into my heart at the age of six after a 5-Day Bible Club being held in our backyard. I remember Pastor Dan Austin leading me in the prayer of salvation in my bedroom after the Friday session of the meeting.

For the first thirty-seven years of my spiritual life, I was, by all outward appearances, a good person living a good life. I was raised in a wonderful Christian home with parents that loved Jesus, were faithful in church attendance, and lived out their faith every day.

To anyone watching, I looked like a model Christian: dependable, moral, disciplined, and engaged. But inside, something essential was missing. My faith was steady but stagnant—alive, yet not growing; obedient, but not fully surrendered. I often describe it this way: I was like a dead fish floating downstream. I wasn’t rebelling or making trouble, but I wasn’t swimming against the current either. I was drifting through life, guided more by habit than by the Holy Spirit. My faith was more about checking boxes than pursuing His plan for my life.

At age forty-three, that comfortable current came to a sudden halt. For the third time in my engineering career, I was “right-sized”—corporate language for being laid off. But this time, the situation hit deeper. For the first time, I had to file for unemployment. That eight-month stretch was humbling. It stripped away my illusion of control and forced me to confront the truth that I had been coasting spiritually. Everything I thought defined me—my job, my routine, my plans—was suddenly gone. But that season of stillness became a season of awakening.

Each morning, before the sun rose, I began meeting with God in a way I never had before. My Bible was no longer a box to check or read when convenient—it became my lifeline. My prayers were no longer general or polite—they became personal, specific, and desperate.

Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2

Somewhere in that quiet space, the sanctification process that had started when I accepted Christ at six years old finally shifted out of neutral and into first gear. I began to feel movement—real, spiritual momentum. As I increased my time in His Word and prayer, my heart was being sensitized to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I often share a phrase that communicates both divine sovereignty and human responsibility — a meaningful expression of cooperation with God’s purpose. 
“Without Him you cannot, without you He will not.”

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth.
Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. - Psalm 86.11

For most of my life, I was doing what I thought was right—working hard, being good, and trying to manage outcomes in my own strength. I believed in God, but I wasn’t depending on Him. I was spiritually parked, waiting for Him to move me without ever engaging my own obedience to execute His will, His way, in His timing, and for His glory. What I’ve learned is that God’s will requires our willingness. His power is perfect, but He invites us to partner with Him. Transformation happens when divine direction meets human action. That realization didn’t just change my spiritual life—it transformed my leadership. I learned that true leadership begins with surrender. It’s not about striving harder or being busier; it’s about being available, obedient, and teachable.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. - 2 Peter 1:3-8

Looking back, I see how God used that period of unemployment to realign my life with His purpose. He dismantled the illusion that success is measured by stability, and replaced it with a truth far richer: Success is the fruit of alignment with God’s will.

When His will becomes your will, you will have your will. - Charles Spurgeon

Professionally, I began leading with greater empathy and authenticity. Spiritually, I began living with clarity and conviction. I discovered that integrity is not only about doing the right thing, but doing it for the right reason—and trusting God with the results.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack no good thing. - Psalm 34:8-10

My daily goal shifted from “How can I execute my plan?” to “How can I glorify God in what I do today?” That change brought peace, purpose, and a quiet confidence that no career setback could take away. Whether you’re facing a career setback, a family challenge, or a spiritual dry season, the principle is the same: move forward in faith, fill your mind with His Word, pray unceasingly, trusting that as you walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit will direct each step.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

For years, I was parked—safe, stationary, and self-reliant. But once I began sensitizing my heart to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and walking in daily surrender, God’s will became my will.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. - Psalm 139:23-24

Be Encouraged to communicate your story with those God orchestrates into your life.