Speak Up
“Wake up.”
What? No. It’s 5:30 am. We’re not doing this.
“Come to me.”
That is something you would say. Shoot. If I fall back asleep, it’s not you.
…
Fine. Fine. Yes, I want to be obedient.
Welcome to my morning conversation with the Lord. It’s difficult to know when my anxious mind is speaking or when I am feeling called to respond in some way. I’ve learned that my anxious mind will remind me of the million things I have to complete…and urge me to get a headstart.
A call to respond is different, though. Come to me and find rest. Come and sit with me. Not a demand, but an invitation that feels like a whisper in the wind…not a storm chasing me into a corner.
These past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. I had an opportunity to speak at my favorite camp and share the “Bible in a weekend,” as we called it. I began this journey wondering if I was qualified to speak…I have felt this call, but I don’t know where it fits in my life. Also, I’m not for everyone. I found myself telling a room full of women that none of us have been disqualified as a result of our sins or shortcomings. The Bible is filled with ordinary people. Before we read about feats of strength, overcoming storms, or big fish stories, we meet people that are wrestling with judgment, selfishness, fear, and doubt. Sounds sort of familiar, right? Even so, these people were not disqualified. God kept His promises.
We are still reeling from the events of September 10, layered with the grief of September 11. Just as our hearts prepared for remembrance, the sudden loss of Charlie Kirk the day before cast a darker shadow.
In my own little world, I have had more people reaching out and asking questions about God. It’s as though something is stirring all around me and I can sense a change in people’s hearts. At the same time, people are beginning to talk about things like the rapture and the apocalypse. There are people making claims that they know the date and time of the departure. You guys. There is so much false information circulating right now. For that reason, I want to speak up. I don’t have all the answers, but I am committed to digging in and sharing what I find.
Which brings us to today. I read about Noah on this gray, rainy morning. The world was wicked and violent at that time. People were harming one another—murder, oppression, exploitation. The world was unsafe and full of cruelty (Genesis 6:11). Humanity’s inner life was consumed by selfishness, greed, lust, and disregard for God (v. 5). Human motives and lifestyles had twisted away from God’s design (v. 12). Instead of repentance, society doubled down on rebellion and mocked those who obeyed God. Noah preached righteousness, but people turned away.
Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 24:36–51 that His return will be like the days of Noah. People will be going about their lives, unprepared, until the moment comes. In Noah’s time, only those who trusted God entered the ark. In the same way, Jesus calls us to live faithfully and watchfully—ready at any moment for His return. In Matthew 24:36 (NLT), we’re told “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows.” These passages remind us that God isn’t trying to catch us off guard—He is giving us what we need to choose Him, to live with hope instead of fear.
Finally, my reading today included Psalm 27. In verse 8, it says “My heart heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Isn’t that funny…although this morning, my heart added a few more words. Faith and fear collide as David writes this psalm in a season of trial. In verses 9–12, he pleads with God not to abandon him but instead to teach him how to live. Yet he closes with confidence: “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:13-14, NLT). The psalm closes with a reminder that God’s presence is not meant to stir fear, but to anchor us in confidence and courage as we wait on Him.
Many of you may be wondering what to do with this information. I’m so glad you asked. I want to invite you on the journey to discovering truth for yourself. Please keep your wits about you…there is no blind following on this one.
Here are 7 ways you can explore truth for yourself:
1. Read Scripture with Fresh Eyes
Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Keep some questions in mind: “What does this show me about who God is?” rather than only “What rules should I follow?”
2. Ask Honest Questions in Prayer
God invites our doubts and curiosity (see Psalm 13, Habakkuk).
A simple practice: “Lord, show me Your truth. Help me understand what I don’t yet see.”
3. Seek Community
Talk to friends that claim their name as Christ Followers. (*Disclaimer…we’re all humans trying to figure it out…so look for evidence of what is true).
Study with others in small groups or Bible studies.
Safe spaces allow us to hear perspectives and wrestle through questions together.
4. Listen to Godly Teachers & Resources
Trusted sermons, podcasts, or commentaries can give context. My personal favorite podcasts include:
The Leader’s Cut: https://theleaderscut.podbean.com
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz): https://ascensionpress.com/pages/show/the-bible-in-a-year
But always compare what you hear with Scripture itself (Acts 17:11 – the Bereans “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true”).
5. Look for the Fruit
Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16).
If a teaching produces fear, division, or manipulation, be cautious. If it leads to peace, humility, and love, it’s likely closer to God’s heart.
6. Practice Living It Out
Truth is not just head knowledge but lived reality. Try obeying a small piece of what you learn and notice how it shapes you.
7. Stay Patient with the Process
Discovering truth is a journey. Jesus promises: “Seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7).
