FAITH-LED LIFE | Trust in God, Spiritual Growth, Relationship with God, Faith Over Fear, Biblical Wisdom

In this episode of Confidence In Your Calling, we will adventure into the powerful story of Nehemiah and what it teaches us about prayer, purpose, and perseverance in the face of opposition.
Nehemiah had "made it".  He had position, comfort, and influence. But when he heard about the broken state of Jerusalem, he didn’t ignore it… he let it move him. Instead of rushing to fix things in his own strength, he began with prayer—deep, honest, surrendered prayer. From that foundation, God orchestrated everything: the timing, the favor, and the provision.
This episode explores what it truly means to walk in step with God rather than relying on our own understanding. We will unpack how Nehemiah’s journey mirrors our own lives today...especially when we feel called to rebuild areas that are broken, whether it’s our peace, purpose, boundaries, or faith.
You’ll be encouraged to:
Pray first instead of reacting
Trust God’s timing instead of forcing outcomes
Stay focused when distractions and opposition arise
Step out of comfort and into calling
Keep building—even when it gets hard
Because just like Nehemiah, when you commit to doing God’s will, opposition will come—but so will provision, protection, and purpose.
If you’ve been feeling the weight of something broken in your life or sensing a calling you’ve been hesitant to step into, this episode is your reminder: don’t come down. Stay focused. Keep building.
What feels impossible can be restored—with God.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let this message realign your heart.
Love,
Dawn

In this episode, we explore the balance between making plans and surrendering to God’s will. Through personal reflection, scripture, and a meaningful dream, you’ll be encouraged to trust God’s guidance while still taking action in your life. If you’re facing decisions and seeking clarity, this conversation will remind you that God walks with you—guiding, redirecting, and faithfully leading every step of the way.
 
Love,
 
Dawn Shurley

It’s easy to rely on what we can see, calculate, and control… but God invites us into a completely different way of making decisions. In this episode, we explore what it means to align with God’s wisdom instead of leaning on our own understanding. While His way can feel uncomfortable and unpredictable, it leads to deeper peace, clarity, and purpose.
You’ll learn why human wisdom is limited, how God’s perspective is far greater, and three simple but powerful practices to help you live this out daily: pausing before decisions, filtering your thoughts through truth, and choosing obedience… even when it’s hard.
If you’ve ever struggled with uncertainty, overthinking, or trying to control outcomes, this episode will encourage you to trust that God’s wisdom is always better… and always worth following. 
Love,
Dawn Shurley 

Are you struggling to trust God fully or wondering how to walk in confident obedience even when it feels hard? In this powerful episode, we break down 5 simple, practical ways to walk in obedience to God and experience the peace, clarity, and blessings that come from a surrendered, God-led life.
Obedience to God isn’t about perfection or rigid rules—it’s about heart posture, trust, and daily surrender. If you’ve ever felt stuck between what you feel and what God is asking of you, this episode will help you realign your heart, strengthen your faith, and move forward with confidence.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
What obedience to God really means in everyday life
Why trusting God can feel difficult (especially when emotions are involved)
How to hear and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance
5 practical, biblical ways to grow in obedience daily
The spiritual blessings of obedience, including peace, purpose, and deeper intimacy with God
Whether you’re in a season of waiting, being called to let go, or stepping into something new and uncomfortable, this episode will encourage you to trust God’s plan over your own understanding.
Love,
Dawn Shurley

Have you ever sensed that something wasn’t quite right, even when it seemed godly on the surface? In this episode of Confidence in Your Calling – Courageous Obedience for Christian Women, we will explore the powerful connection between the Belt of Truth and the gift of discernment, and how using them together can guide you in God’s Kingdom work.
Learn how the Belt of Truth anchors you in God’s Word, protecting you from deception and keeping your decisions aligned with His will. Discover how discernment alerts you when something feels off, sharpening your spiritual perception and helping you distinguish truth from almost-right. We will touch on personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips for growing this spiritual “muscle” in your everyday life.
Whether you’re navigating complex situations, ministry opportunities, or everyday decisions, this episode will help you step confidently in God’s guidance, recognize the subtle cues of the Holy Spirit, and act with faith and clarity.
Tune in and strengthen your discernment, stand firm in God’s truth, and walk boldly in your calling.
Scripture referenced:
Ephesians 6:14“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.”
1 Corinthians 12:10He gives one person the power to perform miracles, another the ability to prophesy, and another the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or another spirit.
Hebrews 5:14“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Matthew 4Jesus resists Satan in the wilderness by recognizing deception and responding with Scripture.
1 Corinthians 14:4“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.”
1 Corinthians 14:27-28“No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret…”
1 Corinthians 14:33“For God is not a God of chaos but of peace.”
1 Corinthians 14:40“But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
For 1-on-1 Biblical Life Coaching:  dawn.shurley@gmail.com
Love, 
Dawn

Are boundaries actually biblical?
Many Christian women feel pressure to be constantly available, endlessly giving, and never say no, in the name of kindness. But Scripture paints a different picture. The Bible teaches that wisdom includes guarding what God has entrusted to us—our hearts, our thoughts, our peace, our nervous system, and our calling.
Boundary setting is one of those things that doesn't seem to come easy. I struggled for years with speaking my truth and setting clear boundaries... whether verbally for others to hear or internally for my personal walk with God.  
When I realized that boundary setting was actually biblical... the guilt melted away and my confidence grew in boundary setting.
In this episode, we explore the powerful truth behind Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart.” What does it really mean to guard your heart? And how do healthy spiritual boundaries protect both you and the people around you?
We’ll walk through biblical wisdom from Proverbs and the New Testament to understand why boundaries are not selfish—they are a form of spiritual discipline and protection.
You’ll also learn how the Armor of God acts as spiritual boundaries that guard your mind, heart, and peace against deception, pressure, guilt, and spiritual attack.
In this episode we discuss:
• Why guarding your heart is a command, not a suggestion• The difference between kindness and unhealthy access• How Jesus modeled healthy boundaries in His own life• The connection between thoughts, heart posture, and spiritual fruit• Recognizing spiritual pressure, guilt, and manipulation• Practical everyday boundaries Christian women are called to practice• How the Armor of God protects your heart, mind, and calling
You’ll leave this episode encouraged to protect your peace, stand firm in truth, and live with wisdom that keeps your heart safe.
Because boundaries are not selfish.
They are wise instruction from a loving Father.
Scripture Referenced:
Proverbs 4:23“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 1:5–7The purpose of wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 4:6“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you.”
Philippians 4:8Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, and lovely.
1 Thessalonians 5:21“Test everything; hold on to what is good.”
Luke 5:15–16Jesus withdraws from crowds to pray.
Acts 6:1–4The apostles set boundaries and delegate responsibilities.
1 Corinthians 15:33“Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 20:3“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife.”
Galatians 6:5“For each one should carry their own load.”
Ephesians 6:10–17The Armor of God.
Romans 8:1“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
James 4:7“Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
To work 1-on-1 with me: email dawn.shurley@gmail.com to set up a free discovery call to see if we are a good fit.
Have a blessed week... with a calm heart.
Love,
Dawn Shurley
 

Is stress quietly stealing from you?
In this powerful episode of Confidence in Your Calling – Courageous Obedience for Christian Women, we confront something that feels normal in today’s world—but is deeply disruptive to your identity and assignment in Christ.
Stress isn’t just about busy schedules. Chronic, identity-shaking stress disconnects you from who you truly are in Jesus. And when you lose connection to your identity, your calling begins to feel heavy, forced, and performance-driven instead of peaceful and Spirit-led.
Through Scripture—including Philippians 4:6–7, Psalm 46:10, John 5:15, Ephesians 2:10, and Matthew 11—you’ll discover:
Why stress leaves your heart and mind unguarded
How anxiety shifts you into control mode instead of surrendered obedience
The subtle ways stress distorts your identity and silences your feminine design
Why fruit flows from abiding—not hustling
How to discern what God actually assigned to you (and what pressure pushed you into)
You’ll also learn practical, faith-filled rhythms to protect your peace—because stillness, nervous system care, Sabbath, and clear boundaries aren’t indulgences. They are spiritual disciplines.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, reactive, or disconnected from joy in your calling, this episode will realign you with truth:
Your calling begins with identity.
Your fruit flows from abiding.
And your peace is not optional—it is protective.
It’s time to release stress as a badge of honor and pick up peace as a weapon of obedience.
You were never meant to strive for fruit.
You were designed to abide.
 
 
Love,
Dawn Shurley

The world can be loud but there are simple ways to create space to hear God's voice more clearly in our daily lives.  In this episode I give you 3 simple ways to make room to hear God's voice, all while getting stronger... building confidence... and creating a more efficient home. 
Hearing God's Voice --> Clarity --> Peace --> Walking confidently in our God-given callings
Scripture Referenced:
Isaiah 55:8-9
Psalm 119:105
John 10:27
Matthew 6:19-21
Proverbs 31:17
---------------------------------
Start Small until it's an embedded habit and then expand:
1) Morning PB&J (Prayer, Bible, Journal) (10 min)
2) Weight Lifting with Worship Music (20-30 min)
3) Decluttering & Donating (10 min)
Creating space in our home, creating space in our mind from a regulated nervous system, consuming scripture and worship music... all in less than 5 hours a week.
Christian Life Coaching:
Work with me - dawn.shurley@gmail.com
Love,
Dawn Shurley

We all have callings on our lives and we are called to courageous obedience in those callings.  We are all called to build our lives upon the Rock through God's Word and faith in His good and perfect ways.  From there we have callings as to how we date, our marriages, our parenting and then to our ministries and community outreach.  What a beautiful place it is when we align our life with God's Will.
I pray you listen and leave this episode with inspiration and direction on your next steps to aligning with God in your calling, which brings confidence abundantly.
To work with me 1-on-1: dawn.shurley@gmail.com
Scripture Referenced:
Hebrews 10:23
Romans 12:2
 
Referenced Episodes:
God's Promise Revealed: https://growclosertojesus.podbean.com/e/1-the-christmas-announcement-of-jesus-christ/
God's Promise In Motion: https://growclosertojesus.podbean.com/e/02-the-christmas-announcement-of-jesus-christ-god-s-promise-in-motion/
God's Promise Fulfilled in the Birth of the Messiah: https://growclosertojesus.podbean.com/e/the-christmas-announcement-god-s-promise-fulfilled/
 
I love you! We are all blessed when Christian women walk more and more in their callings and shine their calming feminine essence out into the world!
Warm Hugs,
Dawn Shurley
 
 
 

Hello, Friend!
I am so glad you are here! Welcome to Confidence in Your Calling Podcast!
If you are seeking to discover your calling and/or courageously walk in your calling, you are in the right place.  Here you will find inspiration, support, and community... because sometimes all we need is to know there are other women going through the same struggles as us.  Confidence and obedience do not come naturally to everyone... but the more intimately we do life with God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit... we walk in God-fidence and Faith in God's character.
If you are ready to do life intimately with God, awaken your calling, and get your life in order... this is your go-to podcast!
 
Love,
Dawn Shurley
1-On-1 Clarity and Confidence Coaching: dawn.shurley@gmail.com