Trusting God when you can’t see the full plan

Most of us like to know where we are going. We want the whole route before we set off. God often gives enough light for the next step and asks us to trust him with the rest.

That can be hard, especially if you like to plan. Here is what the Bible says about it, and some practical ways to keep going when the way ahead is unclear.

Proverbs 3:5-6

These two verses are well loved, and for good reason.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5, NKJV)

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6, NKJV)

Leaning on your own understanding comes naturally. It means relying on what you can see and work out for yourself. Proverbs asks you to trust God with all your heart, especially at the point where your understanding runs out.

The promise that God will direct your paths is about guidance. God guides the person who keeps acknowledging him in every area of life. The road may still have hills.

Abraham: going without a map

God’s call to Abraham, who was then called Abram, came with very few details.

“Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1, NKJV)

Look at the phrase “a land that I will show you”. God did not name the land first. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out (Genesis 12:4).

The letter to the Hebrews looks back on this moment. It says Abraham obeyed, and “he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8, NKJV).

Abraham’s faith had weak moments. Soon after setting out, he was so afraid in Egypt that he asked Sarai to say she was his sister (Genesis 12:11-13). Even so, he kept walking with God, one step at a time. Trusting God does not require you to be fearless.

Why not knowing is so hard

Wanting certainty is human. Not knowing can feel unsafe. We fill the gap with worry, or we try to control everything we can.

Episode 2 of Tea Time With Thandie talks about this directly. It covers trusting God when we can’t see ahead, and our need for certainty and control. It looks at how surrender and trust differ. It also talks about taking the first step before you can see the whole way.

Trust is a choice you keep making

Trust is usually a choice you make again and again, often while you still feel unsure. Here are some practical ways to practise it.

• Tell God what you are afraid of. The Psalms are full of honest prayers. You do not need to tidy up your fears before you bring them to him.
• Do the next right thing. You may not know the five-year plan. You usually know what faithfulness looks like today.
• Keep reading God’s word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV). A lamp lights the ground around your feet, which is often all you need.
• Remember what God has done before. Write down times he has guided you or provided for you. Read them back when you feel lost.
• Hold plans loosely. Plan carefully, then let God change your plans. “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NKJV).

Endings before beginnings

Sometimes the next step is an ending. Abram had to leave his country before he could reach the land God would show him. A job or a familiar place may need to close before something new can start.

That can feel like loss, and often it is. It can also be the way God makes room. If you are in a dry or confusing season, our post on when God feels silent may help.

Small steps count

You might be waiting for a big, clear sign. Often what God gives is a small next step. It might be one conversation or one application. It might be one honest prayer.

Taking that step is an act of trust. You are saying that God is good and that he knows the way, even though you don’t. Our post on how to know what God is calling you to do has more ideas for working out what that step might be.

When trust feels impossible

Some seasons are harder than others. If you are struggling to trust God because of something painful, you are not failing. Bring it to him honestly. Talk to someone you trust and ask them to pray with you.

If worry has become overwhelming, it is fine to get help. Our post can Christians go to therapy? looks at that question.

If you need help now: call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night. If someone’s life is at risk, call 999.

A simple prayer

You might pray something like this: “Lord, I can’t see the whole plan. Show me the next step, and help me take it.”

For more on trusting God with the unknown, listen to episode 2 of Tea Time With Thandie.