This is it, friends. Our final episode. And I can't think of a more perfect place to land than right here, in the very process that brought me to this moment of saying goodbye.

Today we're walking through the actual steps of discernment, a rigorous, Holy Spirit-led process rooted in Ignatian spirituality that is so much more than a pros and cons list. And I want you to know, this process took me seven months to work through for this decision. Seven months of going back and forth, consulting spiritual advisors, wrestling, praying, and waiting. That's very different from how the world tells us to make decisions. But the freedom on the other side of it? There are no words.

The Five Steps of Discernment

1. Identify the actual decision in front of you
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts — work toward sacred detachment
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to influence your will — gather data, write pros and cons, evaluate findings
4. Ask the Holy Spirit for spiritual consolation — wait for settled, deep confidence
5. Confirm the decision and move forward in faith

Want More?

• 📥 Download the free four-week Decisions study guide at NicoleUnice.com/decisions — includes Nicole's notes from today's episode and reflection prompts for the whole series
• 📖 Scriptures from today: Matthew 26:39–45 · Romans 12:2 · 2 Peter 1:3–4 · Galatians 6:14 · 2 Timothy 1:7 · Psalm 94:19 · Matthew 11:28
• 📱 Follow Nicole's next chapter on Instagram @NicoleUnice and on Substack for weekly essays and updates on the church plant in Richmond, Virginia
• 🙏 Would you pray for Nicole, her husband Dave, and the city of Richmond, Virginia, as they begin this church planting journey?
• 🎙️ All 300+ episodes of How to Study the Bible remain available — go back and keep exploring God's word!
• ⭐ Leave a review and share the podcast with someone who needs it — even now that the show is wrapping up, your review helps new listeners find these episodes.
• 🎧 For more faith-filled podcasts, visit lifeaudio.com

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance unto you and give you His peace, both now and forever, and until we meet in heaven. Amen." — Nicole Unice

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