What to Do When You Don’t Know Your Next Step

How to Trust God’s Guidance When the Future Feels Unclear

Teaching during Covid was an experience unlike any other. I spent hours—days, really—writing virtual lesson plans for our entire lower school, recording videos to go with them, and teaching science and engineering online to students from kindergarten through fourth grade. Whew! I feel tired just thinking about it.

Like so many others during that season, I found myself wrestling with deep, personal questions:
Should I stay in education?
Was it time to step into full-time writing?
Was God calling me to something new—even motherhood again?

I wanted clear direction. Honestly, I wished God would just write it in the sky: "Sarah, here’s your next step!" But all I could see were question marks. The pressure felt enormous—like this one decision would shape everything about my future.

Standing at the crossroads of a big, life-changing decision can feel overwhelming—but also sacred. It’s one of those “faith in the fog” moments where you’re invited to trust God’s guidance, even when you can’t see the full path ahead.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
(Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

You’re Not Alone in Uncertainty

If you're unsure about your next step, you’re in good company. The Bible is full of stories where people had to trust God without knowing all the details:

• Abraham left his home, not knowing where he was going, simply trusting God’s promise. (Genesis 12; Hebrews 11:8)
  

• The Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land, choosing between life and death, blessing and curse. (Deuteronomy 30:19–20)
  

• Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their fishing nets behind to follow Jesus—no guarantees, just faith. (Matthew 4:18–22)
  

• Ruth clung to Naomi, stepping into an unknown future with nothing but hope and loyalty. (Ruth 1)
  

3 Faith-Based Actions to Take in Seasons of Uncertainty

1. Be Still Before the Lord

When life feels uncertain, stillness can feel counterintuitive—but it’s where clarity often begins.

During my own season of questioning, I spent many mornings watching the sunrise from my back patio. I journaled, prayed, and sat in the silence. I wanted answers—but instead, I found peace.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
(Psalm 27:14)

Stillness doesn’t mean inaction. It’s about intentionally creating space for God to realign your heart. Sometimes, spiritual growth happens before situational clarity.

Rather than asking, “God, what should I do?”—try asking,
“God, what are You doing in me?”
This kind of question leads to transformation, even before direction.

2. Move in Faith, Not Fear

The path ahead might look foggy, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the One who holds it.

You don’t need to wait until you feel completely confident to take the next step. Start with a small act of obedience: a phone call, a prayer, a journal entry, an application, a “yes” whispered through trembling lips.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5–6)

Even if it’s just one faithful step, God honors movement rooted in trust.

3. Look to the Wisdom of Others

While God is our ultimate guide, He often speaks through others. That said—be intentional. Too many voices can cloud His.

In seasons of decision-making, I’ve found help not just from friends and mentors, but from books and resources steeped in godly wisdom.

One I return to often is The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman, spiritual director and author. Her podcast and books offer gentle, practical ways to discern God’s direction without being overwhelmed.

She encourages us to ask:

“Am I being led by love or pushed by fear?”
(The Next Right Thing, p. 79)

Freeman offers this prayer for the weary and undecided:

“O God, I am open.
The decisions I’m facing have become too much.
Ease my fatigue with Your presence
and my hesitation with Your peace…
What do You want me to know today?”
(The Next Right Thing, p. 18)

Sometimes, the next right step is found in slowing down, paying attention, and listening—both to God and to wise, Spirit-filled voices around us.

Final Encouragement: Trust the One Who Goes With You

If you’re in a season of uncertainty—waiting, wondering, or weary—can I gently remind you? God isn’t standing at the finish line shouting instructions. He’s walking beside you. Right now. Right where you are.

So take a breath. Journal a prayer. Write down one small, faithful step you can take today.
Not the whole plan. Just the next step.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need to walk with the One who already does.