Colleen’s story is about learning to trust that she’s already equipped. Through obedience before understanding, discerning God’s voice, and creating space to listen, she reminds us that spiritual maturity begins with simple, faithful surrender.
You Are More Equipped Than You Know: Learning to Hear God’s Voice
Colleen’s story begins with a familiar feeling—doubt. Despite faithfully journaling through Scripture and consistently sensing the Holy Spirit’s guidance, she wrestled with the question: Am I really equipped to lead?
It’s a question that echoes through the lives of many followers of Jesus. We often hesitate to step out until we feel ready. But Colleen discovered a deeper truth: readiness isn’t the requirement—obedience is. She said yes to God’s prompting to start a Bible study with her sister, even before she felt confident.
That act of obedience became an act of faith formation.
Colleen’s journey captures a central principle of discipleship: we often wait to understand before we obey, but true surrender reverses that order—we obey first, and understanding follows. As she stepped forward, she experienced the truth of Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Through that experience, Colleen began to see that God equips those He calls. She learned to silence the lie that says “you’re not enough” by anchoring herself in Scripture and listening for God’s steady, reassuring voice.
When asked how she discerns whether what she’s hearing is truly from God, Colleen shared a practical and Spirit-led three-step filter—a model that can help anyone seeking to grow in discernment:
- Does it align with Scripture?
God’s voice will never contradict His Word. Since His character is constant—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)—anything He speaks will reflect His truth. - Is it something I just want?
Colleen takes time to pause when a message seems rooted in personal comfort or desire. This isn’t to deny that God blesses His people, but to guard against self-centeredness. Following Jesus means denying self and choosing the path of humility and love (Matthew 16:24). - Have I sought wise counsel?
Faith was never meant to be lived alone. Colleen turns to trusted mentors, like Neil Murakami, to help her discern what she might not see clearly. Through prayer and community, she finds confirmation and peace.
Colleen also shared how she regularly meets with God through the SOAP devotional method—Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. This rhythm has helped her recognize how God speaks not only through written words, but also through reflection, insight, and prayerful dialogue.
She reminds us that the method matters less than the mindset. What’s most important is approaching time with God with openness, expectation, and humility.
Colleen’s story is an encouragement to all who feel unqualified or uncertain. God doesn’t wait for perfection—He invites participation. When we obey first, trust His Word, and listen for His voice, we begin to realize the truth: we are more equipped than we know.