3 Signs God Is Calling You: A True Story of Doubt, Stillness, and Faith
Kimberly Saxon
“If you can’t hear God, read God. Open your Bible.” -unknown
I used to think if God was really calling me, I would hear a booming voice from the clouds. Something obvious. Something that left no room for confusion. What I got instead was silence. A LOUD QUIET.
I remember sitting in my car after a long shift, the kind where your body is tired but your mind is still running. I had just finished scrolling Instagram and I couldn’t shake this one thought: “There has to be more.” More than the grind. More than paying bills and waiting for the weekend. It wasn’t dramatic. It was just a background anxiety.
The next morning, I opened my Bible and the verse of the day was Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” I had seen that verse a hundred times on t-shirts, mugs, and posters. But that morning it landed different. Like it was aimed right at me.
The Subtle Signs We Overlook
When we talk about “calling,” we imagine lightning bolts or visions. But most of the time, it’s way more ordinary. God speaks through repetition. Through nudges. Through that sense of unrest when you try to force yourself into a life that doesn’t fit anymore.
I didn’t recognize it back then, but the little signs were there:
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The book recommendation that popped up three different times in one week.
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The random encouragement from a coworker who had no idea what I was secretly struggling with.
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The way my heart jumped every time I thought about helping women feel less alone in their faith.
Not loud, layered. Intentional. Impossible to miss unless you’re lost in thought!
Calling Feels Like Tension
Here’s the part nobody tells you: being called often feels inconvenient. You’ll feel pulled in a direction that doesn’t always make sense on paper. Sometimes you’ll even resist it. I did. I kept saying, “That’s too big for me, God. I’m not qualified.”
But the more I tried to ignore it, the heavier the tension felt. Not like punishment, but like a gentle pressure reminding me there’s something I’m meant to do.
That tension is actually grace. It’s God not letting you settle for less than what He placed in you.
Usually what you’re avoiding… what you’re too scared to try or do… THAT. That’s the key.
How to Tell It’s Really God
Not every idea is a divine assignment. So how do you know if it’s Him? These three patterns helped me:
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It won’t leave you alone. Even when you try to move on, the thought keeps resurfacing.
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It aligns with God’s character. The call will never push you toward selfishness, harm, or pride. It will stretch you but it won’t contradict His Word.
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It blesses more than just you. If it’s truly from Him, the ripple effect will touch others. Bless others.
What To Do When You Feel the Call
I wasted months waiting for certainty. I thought God had to hand me a full plan before I made one move. What I learned is He often gives you just enough light for the next step.
Here’s what helped me:
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Write it down. I started a journal where I tracked the moments I felt stirred, even if they seemed random.
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Pray out loud. Something shifts when you speak your prayers instead of just thinking them.
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Take a small step. For me it was starting a blog no one read at first. For you it might be signing up for a class, volunteering, or just telling a trusted friend.
The call grows clearer in motion.
My Breakthrough Moment
One night, after months of wrestling, I sat on my bedroom floor with tears in my eyes and prayed, “God, if this is really You, confirm it in a way I can’t miss.”
The next day, a stranger at church walked up to me and said, “You have a gift for encouraging women. Don’t run from it.” They had no idea what I had prayed.
That was the moment I stopped doubting and started trusting.
Final Encouragement
If you’re reading this and wondering if God is calling you, let me tell you: He probably is. The question isn’t if He’s speaking. The question is if you’re willing to pay attention.
Don’t wait for thunder from heaven. Look for the repetition, the nudges, the ache for more. Trust the tension. Write down the whispers. Pray and move.
God’s calling doesn’t always show up in lightning. Sometimes it comes in a quiet moment in your car, when your heart finally admits, “There has to be more.” And the truth is, there is.
✨ Pin this if you’ve ever wondered what God is asking of you. Share it with a friend who needs the reminder: He really does have plans for you.
FAQ’s
How do you know if God is calling you ?
God’s call usually doesn’t come in a loud voice but in small, consistent nudges. If a thought or desire keeps resurfacing, aligns with His Word, and blesses others beyond yourself, it’s often His way of calling you.
Why does God’s calling sometimes feel uncomfortable ?
Calling usually stretches us beyond what feels safe or logical. The tension you feel isn’t punishment but grace. It’s God reminding you not to settle for less than the purpose He placed within you.
What should I do if I feel unsure about God’s direction ?
Start small. Write down what you sense, pray out loud, and take one simple step. Clarity often comes while you’re moving, not while you’re waiting for the full picture.
Can God really use ordinary people like me ?
Yes. Every story of calling in Scripture reminds us that God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. What matters most is your willingness, not your qualifications.
How do I tell the difference between my own ideas and God’s voice ?
God’s voice never contradicts Scripture, never pushes toward selfishness or pride, and always carries fruit that blesses others. If those patterns are there, you can trust it’s Him.
What if I miss God’s calling ?
God is faithful and patient. Even if you hesitate, He has a way of bringing gentle reminders until you’re ready to take the next step. His plan is bigger than your fear.
