If life is a tapestry, then God’s hand is the weaver, guiding every thread with precision and purpose. Looking back at 2024, I see a year that stretched me in ways I never imagined—a year where my faith was not just tested but transformed. It was a time when the divine revealed itself not through miracles but through the quiet whisper of perseverance and grace.
It began, as most revelations do, in an unexpected moment. I had sat down to write a poem, intending to pour my thoughts onto paper. But as I wrote, something stirred within me—a deep, unshakable truth. Life, I realized, is not about dwelling on its relentless trials or the weight of its struggles. It’s about seeing beyond the pain, trusting that even in our lowest moments, there is a higher purpose shaping us.
This understanding was put to the ultimate test during my third semester of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education. I was battling Chikungunya, my wrists swollen and aching, and yet, I faced a daunting task: writing a book of 40 daily lesson plans with only three days left before my practical exams. The weight of it was unbearable. My body was weak, and my spirit was weaker still. Fear of failure consumed me, and in a moment of despair, I surrendered.
But then, in the stillness of that hopeless night, a voice whispered to me—a voice so tender and calm it felt like it came from beyond myself: “Don’t give up just yet. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” At the time, I didn’t fully recognize it, but that voice was God’s. It was His way of reminding me that I was not alone, even in my most fragile state.
The next morning, feverish and defeated, I went to college, convinced I had already failed. But grace awaited me there. I discovered that many of my classmates were in the same predicament, their work unfinished. What could have been a moment of isolation became one of solidarity, as our teacher granted us more time. Not only did I complete my own work, but I found the strength to help others with theirs—a strength that, I knew, was not my own. When I finally stood to present my viva, it was as though God Himself steadied me. My words flowed effortlessly, my thoughts clear and focused. In that moment, I felt His presence surrounding me, a warmth that filled every corner of my being. It wasn’t just relief I felt—it was a profound awareness that He had been with me every step of the way, carrying me through what I could not carry on my own.
This experience became more than just a memory; it became a testimony. It taught me that faith isn’t about the absence of struggle but about trusting the One who walks with us through it. It
is about surrendering our fears and finding strength in His promises. That week, my faith expanded in ways I never expected. My soul grew stronger, my purpose clearer, and my heart more attuned to His quiet call.
My name is Maria Lancelot, and this is my story—a story of resilience, grace, and the unshakable truth that where there is faith, there is always a way.
Maria Lancelot
Meet the Author:
Guided by God’s grace and inspired by His mercy, I am Maria Lancelot—a poet and author from Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Writing is my way of glorifying Him, spreading His Word, and infusing positivity into the world. I believe every soul is placed here with a divine purpose, and my words are a reflection of that faith. At 24, I hold a Master’s degree in English from Hislop College, RTMNU. My poetry has been featured in anthologies by AIFEST and other platforms, and I’ve earned accolades in national and international writing competitions. A frequent contributor to Happening Hislop Magazine, The Hislopian Magazine, and the weekly Hislop Herald, I strive to inspire hearts and honor God through every piece I create.
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