What to do When You're Not Sure Where God is Leading You

Last spring, I visited a friend in California. I live in Alaska, so it took a couple plane rides and a few hours of driving to get to her. Before I arrived, I asked for her address and directions to her house. With my course clearly mapped out, I was able to find her home without a problem.

But what if, when I asked how to get to her house, my friend had simply said, “It’s in California”? I’m sure I would have been indignant. How could she expect me to find my way without more specific directions?

When we’re going somewhere new, we want to know exactly how to get there.

But, when it comes to our life journey, that’s not always how God works.

Consider Abraham. The directions he received from God were about as vague as they could be: “Leave your own country behind you, and your own people, and go to the land I will guide you to” (Gen 12:1 TLB).

In order to obey, Abraham had to act in complete faith. All he knew was that he had to leave his home and go…somewhere. God pretty much said, “Leave your home and start walking.” Can you imagine just stepping out the door one day and never returning? Or just hopping on a plane and not knowing where you will eventually end up? That’s actually a pretty scary thought!

Still, Abraham went. I imagine it was a daily exercise in faith as he listened carefully for the voice of God to tell him which turn to make, which river to cross, where to stop for a rest…

Sometimes it’s like this in our life. God has a calling and purpose for us. He has a plan and it is good. But He doesn’t always give us a clear outline for how to get there or even tell us exactly where we’re going. Sometimes we just have to start with the barest of instructions: Leave…Stay…Start…Stop…Return… Sometimes, it’s only after taking that first step of faith that God reveals the next step, then the next, and the next, and then finally our final destination.

Do you sense God’s call, but are hesitating because you don’t have many details? Ask God, “What is the one next thing I need to do?” Listen carefully, then do what He says. Keep doing it until He reveals the next step. God is faithful. We can trust that, just as He did for Abraham, He will guide us in the right direction!

With love,

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Meditate

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT).

I want to hear from you!

What do you feel God leading you into in this season of your life? What might be the next step you need to take? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

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P.S.

I wrote this post because I’m on a mission to encourage and equip women to live the life of faith, passion, and purpose that we were made for. You can help make a difference by sharing this post with a friend (or friends!) who you think would be encouraged or inspired by it. Thanks!

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