Sometimes we ask God for direction and get silence. 

Sometimes we pray for answers and are told, wait. 

And sometimes—when we least expect it—God shows up with unmistakable clarity. 

Cara Beth Jones knows that kind of waiting. And now, she knows what it feels like when God responds. 

Called Into the Unknown 

When I sat down with Cara Beth, she shared something that immediately struck me. She didn’t join a sorority because she wanted to fit in or chase a college stereotype. She joined out of obedience. 

“He was calling me into a more secular space in college, into a place of discomfort to do some growth.” 

That, in and of itself, made me pause. I’ve heard people talk about a calling as something exciting, something full of promise. But what about when a calling feels uncomfortable? Uncertain? Even lonely? 

For Cara Beth, that’s exactly what happened. 

She went into her sorority experience with hope and expectation—believing God had a purpose for her there. But instead of instant community or visible fruit, she hit a wall. 

“I thought that I would instantly make friends and instantly have these girls that the Lord was calling me to, but I didn't. So, it was really hard. My first semester I did end up contemplating dropping.” 

Still, she stayed. And she prayed. 

A Year of Silence 

Cara Beth faithfully led Bible studies. She mentored younger girls. But inside, she struggled. Her junior year, she felt the Lord telling her to take a step back—not to quit, but to pause. To stop striving. To seek. 

“I spent this last year doing the things that I needed to do for my sorority, but really like praying over what my last semester in this place was going to look like, and what the Lord really wanted me to do with it.” 

As she shared this, I couldn’t help but think of all the times I’ve prayed for direction and felt nothing in return. Waiting can feel like being forgotten. But what I’m learning—and what Cara Beth’s story makes so clear—is that God is often doing His deepest work in the quiet seasons. 

The Awakening 

In May 2025, she attended The Awakening Project for the second time. It’s a week-long gathering of college students and ministry leaders designed to awaken students to the reality that the Holy Spirit still moves. 

Cara Beth wasn’t looking for clarity—just refreshment. But God had more in store. 

“I was just going to sit and talk with the Lord. What am I supposed to do next? Am I supposed to drop? Am I supposed to keep fighting?” 

And then—on the second day—He answered in the most unexpected way. 

From across the room, she heard someone call her name. It was a friend from her sorority. 

“She ran up to me and she said she decided last minute to come to this and didn't know anyone that was coming and didn’t even really know what this is. She said she didn’t know what she was doing here.” 

As they talked, Cara Beth began to see just how clearly God was orchestrating their meeting. 

“So we talked about how the Lord's been telling me some things about what I think he's wanting me to do. And she said she had been hearing the same things from the Lord.” 

Start a prayer group. Be intentional. Pray for the girls by name. 

Two girls. One calling. Same God. 

Clarity, at Last 

“This is 100% clarity. I'm not supposed to drop. I'm supposed to finish.” 

It gives me goosebumps thinking about how perfectly timed it all was—not because it made everything easy, but because it made everything clear. 

I think about how many of us feel like we’re running out of time to hear from God. We set deadlines in our prayers: “God, I need an answer by this date.” But God isn’t bound by our clocks. And sometimes, the waiting is the very soil where purpose grows. 

Purpose Renewed 

Since that moment, Cara Beth and her friend—who serves as the chaplain of their sorority—have launched a weekly prayer initiative. A group chat of about 30 girls from their sorority now receives a Monday prayer list with specific names and requests. 

“Last year, I probably could have counted on my hands how many believers there were in my sorority. But like 30 girls wanted to join this group chat.” 

This experience didn’t just renew her sense of calling. It deepened her understanding of God’s character. 

“I think that he's working to kind of correct my view. He's opened my eyes more to what his true character is.” 

To Anyone Still Waiting 

If you’re praying for direction and hearing only silence—this story is for you. 

“It’s really easy to get discouraged when you’re praying for something, especially when you pray for something for so long, but never give up.” 

Cara Beth is living proof that sometimes, God’s answer takes time. And when it comes, it changes everything. 

So keep showing up. Keep praying. God sees you. And when the moment is right, He’ll speak clearly. 

You won’t have to guess. 

You’ll know. 

And you’ll realize—just like Cara Beth did— 

You’re right where you’re supposed to be.