We live in a world that rarely slows down. There’s always something demanding our attention, urging us to react, plan, or worry. But what if the greatest breakthroughs in life don’t come from striving, but from stillness? What if silence is not an absence but an invitation—an opportunity to listen for God’s voice?
I learned this firsthand when I was at a crossroads in life, trying to decide where to move next. I had four options: return to Hawaii, go back to San Jose, stay in Seattle, or move to Los Angeles—a city where I knew absolutely no one. Logic would have pointed me toward the familiar, where I had connections and security. But in the stillness of prayer, one option became clear: Los Angeles.
It wasn’t the “safe” choice. It was the one that would stretch my faith the most, forcing me to rely completely on God. And so, I took the leap.
This wasn’t just about moving cities; it was about learning to trust Him when I had no safety net. It reminded me of the Israelites marching around Jericho in silence, waiting for God to move before they raised their voices in victory:
“Do not even talk,” Joshua commanded. “Not a single word from any of you until I tell you to shout.” – Joshua 6:10 (NLT)
Sometimes, faith requires us to quiet our doubts, step forward in obedience, and trust that God will reveal His power in ways beyond our understanding.
When Silence Precedes the Breakthrough
Looking back, the decision to move to Los Angeles was both exciting and terrifying. I didn’t know what my life would look like. I had no home, no friends, and no sense of how things would unfold. But I made my decision, and I didn’t question it—I simply prayed and walked forward, trusting God to take care of the rest.
And He did.
Slowly, God paved the way. He connected me with a church family, provided a place to live, and filled my life with people who became part of my journey. But the beginning was hard.
I remember one night, sitting in my new friends’ apartment, wondering if I had made a mistake. The city felt overwhelming, and I felt a bit initimidated. I had prayed for clarity, and I thought I had heard God’s voice, but in that moment, doubt crept in.
Still, I prayed.
Little by little, things started shifting. Someone from church invited me for a meal. Another person offered me a ride. Before I knew it, I wasn’t just surviving in LA—I was thriving.
It was a lesson I would return to again and again: when we choose faith over fear, God meets us in the unknown.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Soul Insights
1. Silence Creates Room for God’s Whisper
Just like Elijah expected to hear God in the wind, earthquake, or fire—but instead heard Him in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13)—we often look for dramatic signs when God speaks quietly. In my moments of decision, I didn’t hear an audible voice, but in the stillness of prayer, the answer became clear.
2. Your Words Can Build or Break Your Walls
If the Israelites had spoken negative words while marching around Jericho, doubt could have spread. Instead, they remained silent until the moment of victory. I’ve learned that when I stop dwelling on my fears and instead declare God’s promises, I position myself for breakthrough.
3. Trusting God Once Makes It Easier to Trust Again
Moving to Los Angeles strengthened my faith, and now I use that experience as a reference point whenever I face uncertainty. Whether it’s about career, relationships, or life direction, I remind myself: God was faithful then, and He will be faithful now.
4. God Wants Us to Test Him in Faith
In Malachi 3:10, God invites us to test Him in His provision:
“Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
This verse isn’t about doubting God—it’s about daring to trust Him in ways that go beyond human logic. I believe God delights in showing His power when we take bold steps in faith. He wants us to experience awe and wonder.
I’ve learned to pray impossible prayers. Like the time I imagined myself groveling at God’s feet, asking Him to open doors for me to travel to France when it seemed completely out of reach. And yet, God made a way.
If there’s something impossible on your heart, pray about it. God loves to reveal His glory in ways we never expect.
5. Faith is Not Just for the Big Moments—It’s for the Everyday
Sometimes, faith looks like making a life-altering decision. Other times, it’s trusting God for something as small as finding a parking spot in Los Angeles! The more I pray, the more I see God’s hand at work in both the big and small moments of life.
“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” – Mother Teresa
Final Thoughts: The Strength Found in Silence
Today, I intentionally create space to hear God through prayer, scripture, and stillness. I’ve learned that listening to His voice isn’t just about big decisions—it’s about daily communion with Him, remembering His promises, and trusting that He is always at work, even when I can’t see it.
And even as I wait for God to answer prayers about my future—including waiting for a life partner—I remind myself that He has never failed me. Just like He guided me to LA, He is guiding me in every area of my life—including the things I long for the most.
So if you find yourself in a season of waiting, a place of uncertainty, or facing a decision that feels too big to handle—pause. Be still. Allow God to lead you. And when the time comes to step out, do so with the confidence that He has already gone before you.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7
Your Turn: A Call to Action
What is one area in your life where God might be calling you to step out in faith? Is there something He’s asking you to release in silence before He moves?
Take a moment today to pray, reflect, and trust that God is already paving the way. Let Him amaze you.
© 2025 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
Leave a comment