In this opening episode of the Summer Q&A Series, Nicole addresses one of the most heartfelt and relatable spiritual struggles: “What do I do when I can’t hear God’s voice?”

Drawing from James 1:2–8, Nicole unpacks why God may feel silent in seasons of confusion or pain—and how that silence could actually be an invitation. With compassionate insight and biblical depth, she offers listeners practical wisdom for enduring trials, examining their hearts, and pressing deeper into God’s promises. This is a powerful episode for anyone feeling stuck, discouraged, or distant from God.

Main Takeaways

• You’re Not Alone in the Silence: Even faithful believers experience seasons of unanswered questions or silence from God.

• James 1 Offers a Roadmap:

  • Troubles are opportunities for growth, not obstacles to joy.

  • When we ask for wisdom, God will give it—but we must ask with faith and undivided loyalty.

• Mixed Motives Can Muffle God’s Voice: Sometimes our desires are entangled with fear, selfishness, or cultural pressure. Regular self-examination can purify our requests.

• Endurance Builds Spiritual Maturity: The waiting seasons are formative. Joy, wisdom, and clarity come with time and perseverance.

• God’s Promises are Steady Anchors: Holding tight to the truths of Scripture can help steady your faith during spiritually dry times.

For Further Bible Study: Bible Verse References

• James 1:2–8 – Consider trials as joy and ask for wisdom with faith

• Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

• Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened…”

• John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life…”

• John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Want More?

• Subscribe to How to Study the Bible to follow the full Summer Q&A Series!

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• Visit nicoleunice.com for Bible study tools and Nicole’s books.

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• Submit a Question for future Q&A episodes via social @NicoleUnice.

• BibleStudyTools.com – Verse reference and study help

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In this final episode of the Activated series, Nicole tackles the practical call to speak about your faith. She explores 1 Peter 3:8–16 and Colossians 4:2–6, offering a clear, scripturally grounded approach to sharing “the reason for the hope that you have.”

Nicole dives into the fears and hesitations many feel when talking about faith, emphasizing that every story is a miracle, no matter how dramatic or simple it might seem. She also highlights prerequisites for effective witness—like compassion, humility, and living a life that shines hope even in dark times. With tangible insights and relatable encouragement, this episode is a guide to confidently and gently living and sharing your testimony.

🧠 Main Takeaways

• Every Story Matters: Your testimony is a miracle, whether it’s dramatic or quiet—God can use your story to inspire and invite others.

• Three Groups to Engage:

  • Those inside the faith

  • Outsiders curious about faith

  • Those opposed to the faith

• Prerequisites for Witness: Live with humility, compassion, sympathy, and love—these qualities create the context for hope to be visible.

• Be Ready to Answer: Scripture calls us to always be prepared to share the reason for our hope, with gentleness and respect.

• Practical Tips:

  • Be watchful and prayerful for open doors.

  • Let your words be gracious and seasoned with salt—speak truthfully, but with a spirit of kindness.

  • Focus on building relationships, not winning arguments.

• Little Actions Matter: Simple daily choices of kindness, patience, and listening are tiny seeds of hope that others notice.

📜 Bible Verse References

• 1 Peter 3:8–16 – Living with compassion and readiness to answer about your hope
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

• Colossians 4:2–6 – Conversations full of grace and wisdom
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

• Matthew 5–7 – Foundations for living in the Kingdom of God
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

📢 Calls to Action (CTAs)

• Subscribe to How to Study the Bible for more insightful teaching.

• Leave a review wherever you listen—your feedback helps others find the show.

• Visit nicoleunice.com for free Bible study tools and resources.

• Share this episode with a friend who wants to grow in confidence in sharing their faith.

• Join the conversation on social media using #HowToStudyTheBible and tagging @NicoleUnice.

🔗 Relevant Links & Resources

• NicoleUnice.com – Bible studies, teaching resources, and tools

• BibleStudyTools.com – Scripture references and study helps

• Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com

  📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:
  https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk

  📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For
  → Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:
  https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this fifth installment of the Activated series, Nicole explores what it means to truly follow Jesus in our actions. Focusing on John 10:7–11 and 27–30, she highlights how Jesus presents Himself as both the gate and the Good Shepherd, contrasting His life-giving presence with the destructive force of the thief.

Listeners are invited into a deeper reflection on what it means to hear God's voice, enter into relationship with Him, and follow where He leads. Nicole breaks down these core actions and reveals the beautiful outcome: a life of confidence, safety, and transformation in Christ.

What Does It Say?

• Jesus is both the Gate and the Good Shepherd: He provides access to salvation and nurtures us in safety and truth.

• Three Actions of the Faithful Sheep:

  • Know His Voice – Learn to recognize God’s presence and guidance.

  • Enter through Him – Accept the invitation of relationship and redemption.

  • Follow His Lead – Focus your life around Jesus and take daily obedient steps.

• Opposing Kingdoms Are Real: Jesus names the thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy—but He comes to offer life to the full.

• God’s Voice is Knowable: Through Scripture, prayer, and community, we can discern His guidance and grow in relationship.

• Focus Drives Following: Where we place our attention is where our actions will follow.

• Tiny Obediences Matter: Everyday choices like patience, kindness, and self-control are the building blocks of a transformed life.

📜 Bible Verse References

• John 10:7–11; 27–30
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

• John 14:6 – “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

• Genesis 15 – God’s covenant with Abraham
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 – The institution of the Lord’s Supper
  Read on BibleStudyTools.com

RESOURCES

• Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com

  📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:
  https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk

  📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For
  → Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:
  https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor

  📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?
  Check out Help! My Bible is Alive!

  🛍️ Find all of Nicole’s books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.