What happens when God asks you to say yes—before you feel ready, certain, or equipped?

In this short, personal episode, Megan Nilsen shares the story behind her family’s adoption journey—a journey marked by years of prayer, hesitation, fasting, and searching God’s Word for clarity. When the answer finally came, it didn’t lead to ease or simplicity—but it did lead to undeniable encounters with God’s presence.

This episode was originally recorded for The Unfolding Short Stories podcast and captures the raw intersection of obedience and uncertainty. Megan reflects on how her yes to adoption reshaped her understanding of love, grace, and identity in Christ—and how God meets us faithfully in the middle of hard callings.

If you’ve ever wrestled with a God-invitation that felt costly, confusing, or overwhelming, this episode will remind you that obedience is not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who calls.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Discerning God’s voice through prayer, fasting, and Scripture
• The difference between a clear calling and an easy path
• How God’s presence shows up in unexpected and challenging seasons
• What adoption taught Megan about surrender, love, and identity in Christ

This is an invitation to lean in, listen closely, and trust that when God says go, He goes with you.

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+Companion Journal
• Free Gift: 30-Day Grace + Truth (Daily) Devotional
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!
• Grab your free New Year Reflection Journal! -> NewYearReflections.com

Ep 145 // 3 Ways to Know It’s Really God’s Voice with Nadine Mullings Murray

What if you could recognize when God is speaking — and actually know how to respond? In this deeply personal and practical conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Nadine Mullings Murray, CEO and Partner of She Elevates Media and Founder of the Women Faith + Business Community. Together they unpack how to discern God’s direction in your business, relationships, and everyday life using Nadine’s simple framework of the 3 C’s: conviction, confirmation, and clarity.

A newlywed at 49, Nadine shares candidly about her decades of singleness, hiring a relationship coach, and how faith guided her into both marriage and a new business partnership. You’ll hear how she learned to balance ambition with intimacy, surrender control, and stay Spirit-led instead of coach-led or AI-led in a noisy world.

If you’ve ever asked, “God, is that You - or just my own thoughts?” this episode will help you untangle the confusion, lean into peace, and take your next faithful step with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• How to recognize God’s voice through conviction, confirmation, and clarity
• Why imbalance—whether in business, parenting, or faith—can signal an invitation to deeper alignment
• The role of both coaching and counseling in spiritual and relational growth
• Why collaboration beats competition in Kingdom business
• How to stay Spirit-led (not guru-led or AI-led) when making life and business decisions

Memorable Quotes

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+Companion Journal
• Free Gift: 30-Day Grace + Truth (Daily) Devotional
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!
• Looking for a holiday devotional? Experience the first session of Untangled Advent for Free!! -->

Ep 144 // How to Let Go and Trust God (Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense)

In this heartfelt conversation originally recorded for Maria Morgan's God’s Girls Group, Megan Nilsen shares the winding, grace-filled story behind her calling as a writer, life coach, and seminary student. She opens up about the hard but holy process of surrender - how God used adoption, motherhood, and burnout to realign her identity with His voice.

From her early days as a school counselor to becoming the author of A Beautiful Exchange, Untangled Faith, and Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, Megan reflects on how God transformed her struggle for control into a ministry of freedom. This episode will encourage you to trust God’s timing, release perfectionism, and take your next faith-filled step even when the outcome isn’t clear.

• Surrender leads to strength: The moments you feel weakest may be the very spaces where God wants to meet you.
• Calling unfolds in seasons: Writing, coaching, and ministry aren’t one-time decisions—they’re layers of obedience that grow over time.
• Hearing God’s voice changes everything: Journaling and reflection can help you discern His leading and align your actions with His peace.
• Joy reveals your purpose: What brings you deep joy often points to where God most wants to use you.

What area of your life is God inviting you to loosen your grip—so He can bring something new to life through you?

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+Companion Journal
• Free Gift: 30-Day Grace + Truth (Daily) Devotional
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!
• Looking for a holiday devotional? Check out Untangled Advent here!

Ep 143 // What If Your Most Fruitful Years Are Still Ahead? Walking with Giants in the Harvest Season of Life with Author Lori Melton

What if midlife isn’t the end of your calling—but the ripest part of your story?

In this heartfelt and hope-filled conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with author and spiritual director Lori G. Melton, co-founder of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center. Together they talk about what it means to slow down, listen for God’s voice, and live fruitfully in every season—especially the “harvest years” of midlife.

Lori shares how her new book Journey with a Giant was born out of her own empty-nest transition and a longing to walk with God more intimately. She introduces the beautiful practice of learning from the “great cloud of witnesses”—spiritual giants who’ve gone before us—and how their faith can guide our steps today.

If you’re a woman wondering what’s next, craving deeper connection with God, or longing to see purpose in this new chapter, this conversation will remind you: the best fruit may still be growing in you.

• You’re Not Done Yet: Midlife isn’t a winding down; it’s a harvest season filled with wisdom and impact.
• Learn from the Great Cloud of Witnesses: Discover how studying faithful believers from history can strengthen your own walk with God.
• The Power of Spiritual Direction: Why sacred listening helps you discern God’s “new thing” in your life.
• Create Space for Stillness: How solitude and “Days Alone with God” can rekindle intimacy with the Father.
• Fruitfulness Requires Pace: Learning to walk—not run—with God brings more lasting impact than constant productivity.

What might it look like for you to slow down, listen for God’s voice, and see this next chapter as your most fruitful yet?

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+Companion...

Ep 142 // How to Understand Scripture (and Love It Again) with Seminarian Monica Ritchie

Have you ever opened your Bible and thought, “I should love this more than I do”? You want to hear God’s voice, but the words feel confusing, repetitive, or even distant. You long to experience Scripture the way others describe it—alive, personal, and powerful—but you’re not sure how to get there. If that’s you, this conversation will feel like a deep breath.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with author, podcaster, and theologian Monica Ritchie to talk about what happens when you accept God’s invitation to go deeper.

Monica shares how seminary took her faith “from black and white to full color,” and how learning to read Scripture with context, curiosity, and humility can completely transform the way you relate to God. Together, Megan and Monica unpack how theology becomes embodied in our everyday lives—and how a more accurate understanding of the Bible leads to greater intimacy, not just information.

Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for decades or are just rediscovering your faith, this episode will give you practical tools and spiritual encouragement to fall in love with God’s Word all over again.

• Faith in Color: When you learn to read Scripture deeply, your faith becomes vibrant, not formulaic.
• Hearing God’s Invitation: God’s leading often feels like an impression or invitation, not a loud command.
• Theology in Real Life: What you believe about God shapes how you love, lead, and live—it’s not just head knowledge.
• Permission to Slow Down: You don’t need to “finish” your Bible reading plan; you need to linger with God.
• Read with Curiosity: You can honor God’s Word by asking questions, studying context, and inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth.

Where might God be inviting you to slow down and see His Word with fresh eyes?

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+Companion Journal
• Free Gift:

Ep 141 // Is Hearing God the Ultimate Growth Tool? Business Strategist Bryan Harris Says, Yes!

What would shift in your life and business if you truly believed God speaks—and that He wants to guide you in real, practical ways?

In this powerful conversation, Megan sits down with Bryan Harris, founder of Growth Tools, to talk about his journey from pragmatic marketer to Kingdom entrepreneur who has learned to listen to God’s voice in every area of life. From healing prayers at his kitchen table to business breakthroughs that defied logic, Bryan shares candid stories of how God turned his “whiteboard strategies” upside down—and why hearing from God is the ultimate growth tool.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God still speaks today—or how to discern His voice in the midst of daily decisions—you’ll walk away with fresh hope, practical frameworks, and an invitation to deeper relationship with Him.

• God still speaks—and He wants to guide you. Bryan discovered that asking God simple questions opened the door to profound transformation.
• Your biggest business breakthrough may look illogical. When Bryan took a sabbatical during a tough revenue season, God multiplied results beyond what his team thought possible.
• Hearing God’s voice isn’t just about strategy—it’s about relationship. God’s primary goal is time with us and teaching us to trust Him.
• Discernment happens best in community. Inviting others into the process helps filter God’s voice from personal bias or confusion.
• Everyone can hear God. The key is creating space, listening without filters, and testing what you hear through Scripture and godly community.

• “If that’s true—that you can ask God a question and He will answer—it should be on the front of the brochure when you walk into church.”
• “God’s number one optimization point is relationship with us—time together and talking together.”
• “You can’t listen to God, follow Him, and end in death. It is impossible.”
• “Our job isn’t to decide what’s good and bad—it’s to listen, obey, and trust the One who does know.”

Where in your life or business are you relying more on your own whiteboard strategies than on God’s voice? What might shift if you paused, listened, and trusted His leading instead?

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website:meganbnilsen.com
• Social:Instagram,Facebook,LinkedIn
• Grab the Book:Untangled Faith+Companion Journal
• Free Gift:30-Day Grace + Truth (Daily) Devotional

Ep 140 // What Does God’s Impartial Love Really Mean—and How Do We Live It Out? With Bible Teacher Oghosa Iyamu

In this powerful conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Bible teacher and author Oghosa Iyamu to unpack what Scripture means when it says God’s love is impartial. Together they explore why impartial love matters in a culture driven by comparison, comfort, and competition—and how embracing it can transform your faith, relationships, and daily obedience.

• God’s Impartial Love Defined – Oghosa explains the difference between God’s impartiality (He doesn’t judge by outward status) and His impartial love (His radical hospitality that welcomes the undeserving through Christ).
• Small Acts of Bold Faith – Faithfulness isn’t only about big leaps like moving across the country; it’s about everyday obedience, like posting a vulnerable message or showing up when it feels uncomfortable.
• Breaking Comparison Traps – Both Megan and Oghosa share their struggles with hiding behind others’ ministries and the courage to step forward in their own God-given calling.
• Comfort, Competencies, and Comparison – Oghosa challenges the church to evaluate how these three cultural values sometimes replace God’s impartial perspective.
• Audience of One – A reminder to anchor our worth in Christ, not likes, followers, or human approval.

Quotable Quotes:

• “Sometimes it’s harder to be faithful in the small moments than the big moments—because only God sees them.”
• “God’s impartial love is His radical and generous hospitality to welcome the undeserving.”
• “It can look spiritual to hide behind other people’s ministries, but often we’re really avoiding rejection.”
• “God is the one who empowers. He gives the gift and the wisdom to know how and when to use it.”

If you’ve ever wrestled with comparison, doubted God’s goodness in hard seasons, or longed to fully believe His love is for you, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website:meganbnilsen.com
• Social:Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book:Untangled Faith+ Companion Journal
• Free Gift:30-Day Grace + Truth (Daily) Devotional
• Book a free discovery callto see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

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Ep 139 // Chasing the Wrong Dream? How to Discern God’s True Call for You with Online Business Coach Stefanie Gass

What happens when everything you’ve built crumbles, your identity feels lost, and God asks you to surrender the very things you’ve clung to for success? In this episode, I sit down with Stefanie Gass—Christian business and podcast coach, mom of two boys, and seven-figure CEO—who shares her powerful journey from chasing worldly success in network marketing to radically aligning her life and business with God’s call.

You’ll hear how God spoke to her in a dream with the words “Start a podcast,” how she learned to recognize her “discernment alarms,” and how surrendering idols like alcohol and social media opened doors she never imagined. This conversation is a masterclass in letting go, tuning in to the Holy Spirit, and walking in bold obedience—even when you don’t know the outcome.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌱 Discernment alarms—how to recognize unrest in your spirit as God’s nudge to pivot.
• 🕊️ The role of surrender and prayer in uncovering your true calling.
• 🔑 Why social media can become an idol—and how stepping away can create space for God’s direction.
• 🎧 The story behind Stefanie’s God-given podcast dream and how obedience led to exponential growth.
• 🙌 Kingdom ROI vs. worldly ROI: why God’s results look different (and better).

Quotable Quotes:

“Earthly success is fleeting. It’s built on nothing—and it can be gone in an instant.”

“Your discernment alarms are the Holy Spirit saying, enough. Will you listen?”

“You only live one time. Borrow God’s confidence and take the shot.”

Reflection Questions:

1. What “discernment alarms” have been going off in your life lately?
2. Are there any areas where you may be rationalizing an idol rather than surrendering it?
3. What small, obedient step could you take today to make space for God’s direction?
4. How would your business, family, or faith shift if you trusted God’s Kingdom ROI over worldly results?

Connect with Stefanie Gass:

• Website: stefaniegass.com
• Podcast: Online Business for Christian Women
• Free 5-Day Bootcamp: The Profitable Podcast Bootcamp – use code MEGAN at checkout to join free!

Stay connected with Megan:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith+