The Moment I Stopped Forcing My Life and Let God Lead

Have you ever felt like your life wasn't moving fast enough?  Maybe you've prayed for a relationship, a baby, healing, clarity, or purpose and wondered why God wasn't answering on your timeline.  In this deeply personal episode, I share how looking back completely changed the way I see God's timing. From pregnancy loss and heartbreak to motherhood, ministry, and finally beginning the book I always knew was inside me, I can now see that God wasn't withholding good things from me; He was preparing me for something better.  If you've ever felt frustrated by waiting, disappointed by closed doors, or tempted to force your own plans, I pray this conversation reminds you that God's delays are never wasted.  In this episode, you'll discover: • Why do we often try to control God's timeline • What my miscarriages taught me about trusting God • How surrender opened the door to peace and unexpected purpose • Why God cares more about our transformation than our timeline • The difference between striving in our own strength and being led by the Holy Spirit • How God unexpectedly led me to begin writing the book I've dreamed about for years  Scripture: James 4:8 - “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  ✨ Next Step  If you're longing to grow closer to Jesus, study Scripture with other women, and learn how to hear God's voice through His Word, I'd love to invite you to join our free Deeply Devoted Bible Study community on Telegram.  Join here: https://bit.ly/DeeplyDevotedBIBLEstudy  If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs the reminder that God is always working, even in the waiting.  

What do you do when you are running on empty and your perfectly planned day falls apart? In this episode, I am opening up my heart and my Bible to share a raw moment from my morning that completely shifted how I view control and surrender. We are diving deep into Matthew 4 to look at how the enemy tempts us when we are at our most depleted points, and I am sharing a personal story about the subtle ways we fall into the trap of striving over surrendering. If you are a Christian woman walking through a season of waiting or feeling completely overwhelmed, this message is for you. Let's stop opening our phones first thing in the morning and start opening our Bibles instead. Inside This Episode, You Will Discover: How your daily interruptions are actually divine appointments from God The dangerous trap of trying to control your own timeline instead of trusting the Holy Spirit Why reaching for social media when you are depleted makes you feel even more empty How to use the word of God as your ultimate anchor during spiritual battles Practical ways to find true peace in Christian motherhood when life feels heavy Reflection Question: What would change in your heart today if you fully trusted that God already knew every single detail of your situation before you even woke up this morning? Scripture to Reflect On: Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Matthew 4:4 (NIV) "Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Connect and Community: Join Deeply Devoted on Telegram: Come grow closer to Jesus with us in our private Telegram Bible study group chat where I share my personal walk with God: http://t.me/+tN3mzu6qX3JiYTIx Follow Me on Instagram: Let's stay connected for daily Biblical encouragement and behind-the-scenes life updates: https://www.instagram.com/petiaburns/ If this episode filled up your soul, please share it with a friend, a sister, or a mom who needs a sweet reminder that God's presence is what will sustain them today.

What do you do when your perfectly planned day suddenly doesn't go according to plan?  In this short and heartfelt episode, Petia shares a real moment from motherhood that reminded her of a powerful truth: God is never surprised by the interruptions we face.  After carefully planning her day, everything shifted when her almost three-year-old daughter needed extra comfort and her four-month-old son became extra fussy. Instead of responding with frustration, Petia was reminded that perhaps the day was never hers to control in the first place.  Drawing from a recent message at church about the fruit of the Spirit, she reflects on surrender, patience, and trusting that God's plans are always greater than our own.  If you've ever felt frustrated when life doesn't go according to plan, this episode will encourage you to pause, breathe, and remember that God already knew how your day would unfold.  In This Episode: • Why interruptions may not be interruptions at all • Learning to surrender control to God • The connection between trust and the fruit of the Spirit • Finding peace when motherhood doesn't go according to plan • Remembering that God is never caught by surprise  Reflection Question: What would change today if you trusted that God already knew every detail before you even woke up?  Scripture to Reflect On:  Galatians 5:22–23 NIV "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."  Connect: If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, take a screenshot, and tag @petiaburns so we can continue spreading God's light together!

After several months away on maternity leave, Petia Burns returns to the Made for Impact podcast with a heartfelt conversation about biblical purpose, faith and motherhood, and finding Christian encouragement in the seasons that often go unseen. When her baby boy, Samuel, was born, Petia stepped away from social media, business, and podcasting to fully embrace a season of presence. But during this time, God reminded her of a powerful truth about spiritual growth for women: impact isn't reserved for stages, followers, or online businesses. The greatest faith-based personal growth often happens right in our homes, our marriages, and our local communities. In this episode, Petia shares a touching story about a conversation with her mother regarding her transition from the New Age back to faith. It’s a beautiful reminder of how Christian living and consistent discipleship create a generational ripple effect far beyond what we can see. If you are a Christian woman who has ever questioned your calling or felt discouraged because your life doesn't look like a massive platform right now, this episode will give you the faith in everyday life perspectives you need to stop chasing and start stewarding. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why biblical purpose begins long before a stage, platform, or business. The surprising conversation that shifted Petia's perspective on modern Christian discipleship. How standing strong in your faith creates a ripple effect across generations. What Christian motherhood is teaching Petia about mentoring, parenting, and leadership. The critical difference between chasing a career and faithfully stewarding faith in everyday life. How to recognize the spiritual fruit your life is producing right now. Key Takeaway Your purpose is not waiting for you somewhere in the future. Every single conversation, every prayer, and every example you set for your children, spouse, and community has the potential to impact generations. Never underestimate what God can do through your faithful obedience in the small things. Connect with Petia Instagram: @petiaburns Bible Study: Join our free community through the link in Petia's Instagram bio to connect with other women focused on hearing God and stepping into their true identity. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, take a screenshot, and tag @petiaburns so we can continue spreading God's light together!

In today’s episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal and sacred.   After months of prayer, wrestling, listening, and surrender—much like Jacob wrestled with God—I’ve come to a clear and peaceful decision: I’m stepping into a sabbatical.   This pause is not from burnout. It’s not from quitting. It’s not from confusion.   It’s an intentional, faith-led choice to slow down, go quiet, and prioritize what God has been gently calling me into:   My relationship with God My family This holy season of motherhood and preparation for birth   As I record this, I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy, and I’ve felt a strong invitation to release worldly pressure—performance, productivity, comparison, timelines—and instead rest in my identity as a daughter of the Most High King.   For nearly eight years, this podcast and my online work have been a constant part of my life. I’ve rarely stopped. I’ve rarely gone silent. And yet, this season is asking for something different—not striving, not proving, not pushing… but trusting.   This episode is my way of: Giving myself permission to rest Letting go of external expectations Choosing presence over pressure Honoring God’s timing over my own plans   During this sabbatical: I’ll be stepping away from social media I’ll be taking a break from consistent podcasting I’ll be entering my birth and baby bubble with intention and peace   This doesn’t mean I’m gone forever. It means I’m listening more closely.   If and when I feel inspired, I may share again—but without deadlines, algorithms, or obligation.   Whether you’re a mother, expecting, building a business, or simply feeling the weight of the world’s expectations—I hope this episode gives you permission to slow down and honor where God has you right now.   Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening. Thank you for walking this journey with me.   I’m deeply grateful for you.   Stay Connected: [email protected]   With love and gratitude, Petia  

What if God is not distant, disappointed, or angry—but deeply loving and always near? In this powerful, Spirit-led conversation, Petia sits down with Melanie Cox to unpack the true nature of God, how to find peace in the midst of tribulation, and what it really means to live the full, abundant life Jesus promised.       In this deeply moving and Spirit-led episode of Made for Impact, Petia welcomes back beloved guest Melanie Cox for one of the most powerful conversations ever shared on the show. This episode is an invitation to re-learn the true nature of God—not as distant, punishing, or unreachable, but as a loving Father who meets us in the storm, grows us through pressure, and calls us into life to the full. Together, Petia and Melanie explore why suffering does not mean God has left you, how spiritual pressure produces purpose, and why understanding who you are in Christ changes everything. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • What Jesus really meant when He said He came to give us life to the full (John 10:10) • Why tribulation is not punishment, but a refining process that produces spiritual fruit • How pressure and hardship are often signs of God’s formation—not His absence • The difference between asking “Why God?” and “What are You growing in me?” • How the enemy plants doubt through questions—and how identity in Christ uproots it • Why peace is a choice, even when storms are guaranteed • Understanding God as a loving Father, especially for those with fear-based faith or father wounds • How to recognize the voice of God as your Shepherd and why intimacy matters • Biblical insight into free will, consequences, repentance, and spiritual authority • Why mothers are called to be chain breakers—and how spiritual patterns can be stopped • How returning to Scripture, worship, and daily intimacy restores clarity and peace This episode is for the woman who feels tired, discouraged, confused, or distant from God—and is ready to come home to truth, peace, identity, and the abundant life Jesus promised. Key Scriptures referenced include John 10:10, John 16:33, 1 Kings 19, Revelation 3, Psalm 139, and Hebrews 14:14. Final encouragement: If you are in a storm, God has not abandoned you. If you feel pressed, He is producing something eternal. If you feel lost, the Shepherd is calling your name. Know who you are in Christ. Know the true nature of God. And move toward the life to the full He designed for you. Connect with Melanie Cox on Instagram and find her book on Amazon. All links are available in the show notes. IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsmelaniecox/ BOOK ON AMAZON: https://a.co/d/8IgQcXq

In today’s episode of Made for Impact, Petia opens her heart and shares the life-changing shift that happens when we reorder our priorities — not around hustle, business, or self-development — but around God. As a former entrepreneur who once led a big team and prioritized productivity and results, everything changed when she became a follower of Christ. In this episode, she shares why putting God first is not only biblical, but deeply practical — for marriage, motherhood, business, peace, and purpose. You’ll learn: • Why the order of priorities matters more than we realize • What truly happens when we put God first • The biblical principle of “first fruits” and why it applies to your time, energy, and attention • How marriage, motherhood, business, and self-worth shift when God is at the center • Simple, realistic ways to put God first — even if you feel overwhelmed, busy, or exhausted • Why giving God whatever energy is “left over” never leads to intimacy, peace, or clarity • What can change when you wake up with gratitude, scripture, and surrender • Real examples from Petia’s own marriage, family life, and pregnancy This episode is for the woman who: • Loves God, but feels pulled in 100 directions • Wants to deepen her faith in real, practical daily ways • Desires peace instead of pressure • Longs for her marriage, motherhood, and calling to be rooted in God — not hustle You’ll leave with clarity, conviction, encouragement, and simple steps to start tomorrow morning with God at the center. TOP THEMES IN THIS EPISODE: • God first, above all things • First fruits • Priorities in marriage and family • Living from love instead of depletion • Presence over perfection • Intimacy with God over routine • Order before overflow CONNECT WITH PETIA: Instagram: @petiakolibova Bible Study Community: Deeply Devoted Join here: https://bit.ly/DeeplyDevotedBIBLEstudy Join the weekly Bible study, connect with women of faith, and go deeper in God’s Word with support, accountability, and love. If you loved this episode: Please rate, review, and share — it helps the message reach more women who are hungry for God’s presence and purpose.

In this powerful episode of Made for Impact, Petia welcomes her longtime friend Nadia — a woman whose life was radically changed by Jesus after years in the New Age movement, sobriety recovery culture, and searching for meaning.   The two originally met in a Las Vegas nail salon over a decade ago — not knowing God would one day write them into the same story. Years later, both found themselves saved by Christ, walking away from the New Age, and stepping into a new identity.   This episode dives into: - Leaving New Age beliefs - Sobriety and surrender - Healing resentment and anger - Reading Scripture for the first time - Dating as a Christian woman in Hollywood - Experiencing the Holy Spirit - Understanding God’s timing - Learning peace over pressure - Faith in uncertainty   Whether you’re new to faith, curious about Christianity, or untangling spiritual confusion — this testimony will speak to your heart.   Connect with Nadia: Instagram: @nadiavlada   Join Petia’s Bible Study: https://bit.ly/DeeplyDevotedBIBLEstudy   If today’s episode moved you, encouraged you, or brought clarity — take a moment to share it, review it, or send Petia a message on Instagram.

In this episode of Made for Impact, Petia shares a heartfelt message inspired by a recent Deeply Devoted Bible Study—created for women who desire more than a checklist faith and long for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Petia reflects on how many women read the Bible out of obligation rather than desire, and why true transformation happens when we approach Scripture as a way to walk with God, not just learn about Him. This episode invites you to pause and ask yourself: What season am I praying God to move me into? You’ll hear a powerful testimony from Melanie Cox, a sister in Christ whose life is a living reminder that God is still a God of miracles. After being told by doctors she would never have children, Melanie prayed with bold faith—standing on the truth that if God did it for Mary, Elizabeth, and Hannah, He could do it for her too. Today, she is the mother of five. This episode will encourage you to stop striving for clarity and instead stand on Scripture, trusting that if God has done it before, He can—and will—do it again. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why Bible reading shouldn’t feel like a spiritual checklist How to discern when God is shifting you into a new season The power of grounding your prayers in Scripture How to pray boldly by remembering what God has already done Why testimonies strengthen faith—yours and others A simple, practical way to personalize Scripture in your prayer life Scripture Highlight “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” — James 4:8 (NLT) Simple Action Step Write down the season you’re praying God to move you into. Then find Scripture where God has already done something similar. Pray it boldly and personally: “God, You did it for Esther. You can do it for me.” Join the Deeply Devoted Bible Study If you desire deeper faith, accountability, and sisterhood, you’re invited to Deeply Devoted—Petia’s weekly online Bible study for women. Every Thursday evening | Free | Online Join here: https://bit.ly/DeeplyDevotedBIBLEstudy

Have you ever felt that quiet stirring inside — the kind that whispers, “Something is shifting… something is changing… something is coming?” Not in an anxious way, but in a holy, gentle, almost mysterious way.   Maybe nothing in your life looks different on the outside. But inside… you feel the nudge. The restlessness. The sense that God is preparing you for something new — even if you can’t articulate it yet.   In this episode, Petia shares a deeply personal story of sensing God’s shift in a quiet moment after putting her daughter to sleep — and the surprising peace mixed with restlessness that followed. If you've ever felt like your comfort is shrinking, doors are closing, or desires are changing, this episode will bring clarity, comfort, and biblical grounding.   Inside this episode, we explore: Holy discomfort and why God often removes comfort we’ve outgrown How closed doors are divine protection and redirection Why new desires often signal the Holy Spirit’s guidance The purpose behind delays, pauses, and “waiting seasons” Why shifting relationships can be evidence of a new calling The role of surrender in stepping into your next season How God’s peace can guide you even in the unknown   Scriptures referenced:  Ecclesiastes 3:1  1 Kings 17  Revelation 3:7  Philippians 2:13  Isaiah 26:3    You’ll walk away feeling seen, encouraged, and reminded that you are not lost — you are being led.     Send Petia a DM on Instagram @petiakolibova and share which of the seven signs you are experiencing.  Join the free Deeply Devoted Bible Study group to walk in community with other faith-led women.