notesbynora

In a world full of noise, it can be hard to hear the whisper of God. The distractions, the responsibilities, the endless hum of life — they all compete for our attention. Yet God rarely shouts. He doesn’t often come in the thunder or the earthquake. More often, His voice comes in the stillness.

Scripture tells us that when Elijah was hiding in the cave, God passed by. “A great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” — 1 Kings 19:11–12

That gentle whisper — that’s where God was.

My grandmother, whom I called Mama Dolly, used to tell me about God’s soft whispering voice. She followed it diligently. She could sense when God was calling her to do something — when to speak, when to be still, when to give, when to go. As a little girl, I watched her live out her faith through that quiet obedience. She didn’t need a flashing sign or a booming command. She listened — and she trusted.

I grew up learning to recognize that same whisper. Over the years, I’ve learned that when God speaks to the heart, it’s not always loud or obvious. It’s a stirring, a knowing, a peace that comes when we align our hearts with His will.

When I’m called about foster children, I think of Mama Dolly and her listening heart. Each time, I stop and prayerfully ask God, “Are these the children You are leading me to impact? Or is there someone else for them, and should I wait?”

That pause — that moment of quiet listening — has become one of the most sacred parts of the journey. I’ve learned that God has very specific reasons for placing certain children in our home. Sometimes I understand His plan right away; other times, I don’t see it until long after they’ve left. But eventually, there’s always an “Ah-ha” moment — that beautiful realization when I see His divine wisdom at work.

Listening for God’s whisper takes practice. It takes stillness in a busy world and trust in uncertain seasons. His whisper doesn’t compete with the world’s volume — it simply waits to be heard. The more we quiet our hearts, the clearer His voice becomes.

Maybe you’re in a season where you’re asking for direction — for answers that haven’t come yet. Be still. Step away from the noise. God’s voice is often closer than you think, speaking softly through peace, conviction, or gentle nudges that guide your path.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be still enough to hear Your whisper. Quiet the noise around me so I can listen for Your gentle voice. Teach me to follow where You lead, even when I don’t yet see the full picture. Thank You for speaking in ways that bring peace and purpose. Amen.