"Recognize God’s Gentle Nudges"

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)

It was my college orientation, and as I sat in the auditorium with hundreds of other students, a faculty member asked each of us to raise our hand when we heard our major being called out. At that time, I was still unsure what I wanted to pursue, so I quietly looked around the room at my peers, watching and waiting to see what they’d choose.

When they announced the mass communications program, I could instantly feel the excitement—and that was all it took for me to choose that major.

Silly, I know.

Sharing this story from fifteen years ago came with a lot of embarrassment, but as I’ve grown, I’ve come to realize that what I thought was a random, impulsive decision was actually me hearing God’s voice and acting on it—without hesitation.

I’d always had dreams of being on stage one day, yet I was extremely shy. Unless you were a close family member or friend, I didn’t have much to say. Being in that communications program forced me to speak up—literally. I had to learn the art of storytelling, how to capture an audience’s attention, and how to write and produce my own news segments.

I didn’t realize it in the moment, but the work I was doing was slowly building my confidence for what I do today.

God knows where to place each of us in every season of our lives. The things we experience that we may consider coincidences are likely God orchestrating the pieces so we can walk in our true purpose.

We are so busy looking for a big reveal that we don’t even recognize that God is showing us in real time the path He wants us to take. Sometimes He’ll give you gentle nudges long before He shows you big signs.

Like sending people your way who need help or advice with a specific problem.

Or dropping an idea in your mind, year after year after year.

Or putting you in an auditorium full of wild college students to help inspire your major.

The nudges are always there, both big and small. It’s up to you to slow down and become present so you can see how God is lighting your path and directing you in the way you should go.

If you’re feeling like you can’t quite put your finger on the thing God is calling you to do, take a step back and identify common themes:

• Something I love doing is...
• Something that shows up in my life over and over again is...
• Something others think I’m good at is...

God put those things there for a reason. Your purpose and gifts are already within you. They’re just waiting to be discovered.

Reflection

Take time today to reflect on the ways God has been guiding you. His direction isn’t always loud or dramatic. Often, it’s found in the repeated nudges, opportunities, and passions He’s already placed before you.

Prayer

God, open my eyes to recognize the ways You’re leading me each day. Help me slow down, listen for Your voice, and faithfully follow where You’re guiding me. Amen.