Hearing God’s Voice: Lessons from a Quiet Afternoon by the River
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June 2021
I’m sitting here alongside the road with the West Fork of the Greenbrier River flowing beside me. We’re on vacation—my family, my husband, and me. I needed a little alone time with God, and this has been a peaceful afternoon.
While my husband fished, I spent some quiet time with God, reading my devotional and listening. In that stillness, He placed a few things on my heart.
Establishing a Better Workflow
First, He reminded me that I need a more structured workflow—one I’ll actually stick to. I love writing out plans for my business, but following through? That’s where I struggle. So, I wrote it down in my journal and planner, committing to researching better workflows when I get home.
Writing More Personal Posts
Then, He gently pointed out something else—I haven’t written posts like this in a long time. When I first started blogging, I shared my thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences. But somewhere along the way, I shifted to more informative posts. While those are valuable, God reminded me that my personal experiences can encourage others, too.
Praying for You—More Deeply
Another thing He placed on my heart was to pray more intentionally for my readers. I’ve always prayed for those who come across Encouraged by Grace, but now, I want to make it more personal. This morning, I sent out an email inviting you to share your prayer requests with me. I hope to make this a monthly practice. If you’d like me to pray for you, feel free to join my email list.
I left that quiet time feeling refreshed, knowing that God is guiding me. The answers haven’t always come quickly, but I’m trusting His timing.
As I sit here, watching a baby deer cross the road and listening to the water flow, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. The sun is starting to set, bringing my writing time to an end. But I promise you this—I’ll be sharing more personal experiences moving forward.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
I originally published this post before I lost everything on my blog. As I was going through old posts, deciding what to republish, I knew I had to add this update.
I stopped posting in late 2021. I believe I only sent out one email about prayer requests before I fell away from blogging altogether. I kept sharing Bible verses on social media for a while, but even that became inconsistent. Every time I tried to restart my blog, I faced one obstacle after another.
But now, I’m moving forward in obedience, trusting the path God has set before me.
How Do I Know It’s God Speaking?
Maybe you’ve wondered, How do I know if I’m really hearing from God?
I’ve asked myself the same question. Here’s how I’ve learned to recognize His voice:
- Prayer – I start by talking to God, thanking Him, and bringing my requests to Him. Prayer is a conversation, not just a list of things I need.
- Waiting – After I pray, I take time to listen. Sometimes, we’re so busy talking that we forget to be still and let Him speak.
- Writing – As God speaks, I write it down. He might give me a scripture, a song, a phrase, or even just a feeling. Sometimes, He reveals things in pieces over time.
- Obedience – This is the most important part. If I believe God is speaking, I act on it. If I’m unsure, I ask for confirmation. But once I know, I move forward in faith.
I’ve found that writing things out helps clear my mind and focus on what God is showing me. But lately, I’ve realized I need something more.
Come back next week as I unpack what that “something more” is.
Let’s walk in grace and wisdom together.
With love and encouragement,
**P.S.
In what ways has God guided you on your journey? Let me know in the comments.
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