Feeling Unheard in Your Faith Journey? How to Step into God-Given Leadership

In a world that often whispers to women of faith that their voices don't matter, have you ever felt the sting of being called to lead yet constantly told to stay silent? Perhaps you're a grandmother pouring into your family from afar, only to feel your wisdom dismissed in the hustle of daily life. Or maybe you're that faithful attendee at weekly Bible studies, nodding along while inwardly grappling with the question: "Am I really being heard, or am I just going through the motions?" If this resonates, you're not alone. Many Christian women, balancing the demands of family, work, and spiritual growth, wrestle with this very pain—the ache of feeling unheard and unseen in their God-ordained calling. Some even say that the Bible teaches the concept that women should be silent, but it's untrue.

Tune into today's podcast episode to discover that Paul employs the same Greek word when addressing both women and men. Same word, same meaning, identical expectation. However, the English translations can appear different. Quiet for men and silent for women. Yet in Greek, it's the same word.

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The Silent Struggle: Why So Many Women Feel Unheard

It's a common thread in the stories of women—those dedicated souls who show up faithfully, yet find themselves muted by life's relentless pace. You might start your day with the best intentions, remembering to pray before anything else, but then the phone rings with a family member's needs, or your mind races in a million directions, leaving you feeling disconnected and dry. Well, take heart. You're not just dealing with external noise; it's an internal battle too, where old patterns of self-doubt may whisper, "Who am I to lead?" Scripture reminds us that this isn't a new fight.

Think of Deborah in the Book of Judges, a prophetess and judge who led Israel with courage, yet lived in a time when women's voices were often sidelined. In Judges 4:4-9, we see her stepping up boldly, saying, "I will go with you," even when others might have expected her to remain in the shadows. Or consider Esther, who was called to speak up for her people despite the risks, as outlined in Esther 4:14: "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" These women weren't immune to feeling unheard, but they leaned into God's strength to make their voices known.

As a pastor and coach who's walked alongside many, I know this struggle firsthand. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when family commitments or past hurts from church experiences leave you questioning your faith. Yet, in the quiet moments, God's Word calls us to something greater. Psalm 46:10 urges, "Be still, and know that I am God." It's a gentle reminder that even in the chaos, He hears you, and He's equipping you to lead.

Unpacking the Pain: Common Challenges in Feeling Called but Silenced

Let's get real for a moment. If you're a woman in your 40s or beyond, you might be in the midst of empty-nest seasons or grandparenting from afar, all while striving to keep that steady connection with God. It's common to feel a sense of isolation creeping in, especially when close friendships are hard to come by and your loved ones live miles away. This can make it feel even tougher to step into leadership roles in your community, family, or personal faith journey.

Then there's that mental clutter that so many of us deal with—thoughts racing in every direction, like leaves caught in the wind, which can turn focused prayer or Bible study into a real challenge. And let's not forget how everyday distractions, like the pull of TV or that never-ending to-do list, can throw off your quiet time, leaving you feeling a bit sidelined from what matters most. But here's the beautiful truth: God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. As it says in 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." This isn't just ancient wisdom—it's a powerful reminder that even in the midst of worry or struggle, your voice has a place in His story. I've witnessed this transformation time and again, both in my own life and through the women I've walked alongside in ministry.

The key is to start by acknowledging those everyday pressures, whether it's the weight of others' needs or the busyness that seems to multiply. Remember, small steps add up. Maybe it's as simple as carving out five minutes in the morning to jot down your thoughts, helping you process and prepare for the day ahead. Give yourself room to breathe—it's not about getting it perfect, but about showing up consistently for the One who sees you and cherishes every moment you turn toward Him. Make it doable today, and watch how that simple act can bring a wave of peace and purpose into your faith walk.

Scripture as Your Anchor: Biblical Women Who Broke the Silence

Throughout the Bible, we find stories of women who were called to lead but faced opposition. Take Mary Magdalene, for instance. She was one of the first to witness the resurrected Christ and was tasked with sharing the good news, yet her testimony was often questioned by those around her. In John 20:18, she proclaims, "I have seen the Lord," becoming a powerful example of unwavering faith. These narratives aren't distant history; they're mirrors reflecting your own journey. If Mary could push through the doubt and deliver her message, so can you.

As we delve deeper, let's consider how Jesus Himself elevated women's voices. In Luke 8:1-3, we read about the women who supported Jesus' ministry, including Joanna and Susanna. They weren't passive figures; they were active participants, funding and furthering the kingdom. This challenges the cultural norms of their time and ours, urging us to ask: What gifts has God placed in me that I've kept hidden out of fear of being unheard?

In my years as a spiritual guide, I've witnessed how embracing these stories can shift perspectives. You may be feeling dry in your faith. By exploring passages like Isaiah 40:31—"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength"—you can begin to see this season of waiting as a time of empowerment, not defeat. It's about making it doable today: Choose one verse to meditate on, and let it guide your steps toward leadership.

Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Voice and Lead with Confidence

Now, let's move from inspiration to action. If you're feeling called but silenced, start by creating space for God amidst your busy schedule. If your challenge is that of "not finding time" or "being consistent in showing up"—it's a real hurdle, but it's not insurmountable.

Begin with small, intentional habits. For example, set a daily alarm to visit your "quiet corner" where you can read a short devotional and pray. As James 1:19 advises, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger," this practice helps you listen for God's guidance before reacting to the day's demands.

Another step is to address the mental overwhelm. When your mind is all over the place, try breaking it down: Write down three things you're grateful for each morning, drawing from Philippians 4:6-7, which promises peace that guards your heart. This isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about simplifying so you can lead from a place of calm.

And remember, if distractions like family needs pull you away, give yourself room to breathe. It's okay to say no sometimes. If that's a struggle for you, start small—perhaps decline one non-essential commitment this week—and watch how it frees you to hear God's call more clearly.

Finally, let this idea truly settle in your thoughts... small steps add up to meaningful breakthroughs. For instance, envision kicking off a basic journaling habit where you ponder how Scripture relates to your daily walk. Use a special notebook to explore those verses. You'll be amazed at how these simple actions make your study sessions more impactful and less overwhelming.

Overcoming Spiritual Dryness and Finding Joy in Your Calling

Spiritual dryness is a common experience for many believers, particularly when life becomes a series of obligations. Perhaps you resonate with the feeling of once being closely connected to God, only to find that family responsibilities have made it difficult to maintain that intimacy. It's easy to fall into routine without depth, but the scriptures offer a source of refreshment. Psalm 42:1-2 beautifully captures this longing: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." This imagery encourages the pursuit of a deep and fulfilling connection with God, even on the most exhausting days.

To combat this, pair your devotional time with something you already do. Perhaps end your day with a brief walk, focusing on one aspect of your calling. As you walk, reflect on how God has equipped you, drawing from Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." This isn't about forcing a routine; it's about making it doable today, so you can lead with joy rather than duty.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Step Toward Empowered Leadership

As we close, remember that you're not defined by the voices that try to silence you; you're defined by the One who calls you His own. If you've been feeling unheard in your faith walk, know that God is ready to meet you right where you are, helping you balance the busyness and rediscover the joy of leading with purpose.

Small steps add up, and today can be the day you start reclaiming your voice. If you're ready to dive deeper and create a personalized plan to overcome these challenges, I'd love for you to save your seat for an Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour + Peace RESET. It's a gentle, step-by-step guide to reconnecting with God and finding that sacred space for growth—imagine being excited for your devotional time, once again, while stepping into your calling with confidence. Click Here to book your personalized session today.