Learning to Trust the Next Step
Have you ever noticed how much of our fear comes from trying to live in a tomorrow that hasn't arrived yet?
I don't think we do it on purpose. At least, I know I don't. One moment I'm simply going about my day, and the next I've somehow wandered into a conversation with myself about everything that might happen. Before long, I've imagined every possible outcome, solved problems that don't even exist yet, and exhausted myself over situations that may never come to pass.
It's amazing how convincing fear can be.
It has a way of making us believe that if we can just think through every possibility, we'll somehow be prepared for whatever comes next. All that usually leaves me with is a weary heart and a mind that's forgotten to rest.
I've been realizing that so much of my desire to know the future isn't really about wisdom. It's about wanting certainty. I want to know that everything is going to work out and that the decisions I'm making are the right ones. I want to know that the prayers I've been praying will eventually become testimonies. Maybe you've found yourself there too.
The beautiful thing is that Jesus never condemns us for bringing those questions to Him. He's such a kind Savior. He knows exactly what it's like to be human, and He welcomes every anxious thought we bring into His presence.
But I've also noticed that He doesn't always answer the questions I ask. Instead, He gently reminds me of something even better: He reminds me of Himself.
The more I've walked with Him, the more I've realized that He's far more interested in teaching me to trust His heart than He is in satisfying my curiosity. If He showed me every detail of the journey ahead, I wonder how often I'd start leaning on the plan instead of leaning on Him.
Relationship has always been His invitation.
Paul writes, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV). Walking by faith isn't pretending that uncertainty doesn't exist. It's recognizing that uncertainty doesn't have the final say because Christ does.
Under the New Covenant, we aren't trying to earn God's nearness or convince Him to guide us. Jesus settled that once and for all through the cross. Because of Him, we've been brought near. His Spirit dwells within us. The same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is present with us every single day, faithfully leading, comforting, correcting, and encouraging us as we walk with Him.
That means:
I'm never taking a step by myself, even when I don't know exactly where the path is leading.
I don't have to carry tomorrow before tomorrow gets here.
I don't have to force open doors God hasn't opened.
I don't have to stay awake trying to figure out every possible outcome.
I can simply wake up each morning and ask, "Jesus, what does walking with You look like today?"
That question has brought so much peace to my heart. Not because I suddenly have all the answers, but because it reminds me that following Jesus has never been about having all the answers. It's about knowing the One who does.
I think about the Israelites in the wilderness and how God provided manna one day at a time. He could have given them a month's supply; He certainly had the power to do it. Instead, He gave them exactly what they needed for that day. Looking back, I don't think that was because He wanted to make life difficult. I think it was because He wanted them to discover His faithfulness every single morning.
Isn't that still His heart with us? Every day becomes another opportunity to discover that He's enough: enough for the questions, enough for the waiting, enough for the uncertainty, and enough for the places where fear tries to convince us that we're on our own.
Friend, maybe you don't know what the next six months look like. Maybe there are decisions sitting in front of you that feel heavier than you'd like to admit. Maybe you've been asking God for clarity, and it feels like He's only showing you one small step at a time. Today, I'd like to encourage you with something He's been reminding me. One step has always been enough when you're walking with Jesus.
He has never asked us to carry the entire journey. He simply asks us to keep our eyes on Him. And every time we do, we discover once again that His grace is sufficient for today, His presence is constant, and His faithfulness has never once failed.
The next step may not answer every question in your heart, but it will bring you one step closer to the One who has been holding your future all along.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You that I don't have to know the whole story because I know You. Thank You that through Your finished work, You've brought me near to the Father and given me Your Spirit to lead me every step of the way. Teach me to quiet the need for certainty and to rest in the confidence of Your presence. Help me trust You with today's step, knowing You'll be just as faithful tomorrow as You are today. Amen.
Alexandria Flint is the founder of Joy in the Processing LLC and the author of The Force of Joy. As an ACTIVATE Certified Trainer and Certified Prophetic Processing Coach, she helps believers recognize God’s voice, process His promises, and walk in healing, joy, and secure identity in Christ. Through writing, teaching, and prophetic encouragement, Alexandria is passionate about helping people discover God’s restoring work from the inside out.
CONTACT LINKS:
Website: https://joyintheprocessing.com
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