Taking the Next Step

Written By Carol

Have you ever felt stuck, knowing where you want to be, but unsure as to how to get there?

I’m confident you answered “yes” as we all experience this at various seasons of our lives. And while it’s not uncommon, overtime the feeling of “stuckness” can become problematic. The truth is, motion is the only way to move positively forward in life. Without it we become stagnant, unproductive, unfruitful, and ineffective. But the good news is there’s a better way for us. And by this I refer to taking the next step.

The First Step

Taking the next step may seem insignificant, yet it’s actually the first step to getting unstuck. I think sometimes our hesitancy in stepping out is uncertainty, regarding what the next best step actually is. When this happens, we usually spend a massive amount of time overthinking what to do next. This then often leads to confusion, frustration, indecision, and perhaps even the decision to do nothing at all—which is incredibly sad. 

You see, the truth is, doing nothing is doing something. It’s doing nothing.

And doing nothing will never take us to where we want to be. This is why taking the first step forward is in fact critical, is progress, and should be celebrated. 

Scriptures and Our Steps

Thankfully for us, the Scripture addresses our steps. In fact, Psalm 119:105 tells us God’s Word acts as a lamp guiding our steps.  Additionally, the Scriptures assure us that God personally determines our steps (Psalm 37:24 & Proverbs 16:9) as well as directs our steps, (Psalm 20:24). Not to mention He also provides guidance for our steps (Psalm 32:8). And best of all, God even speaks to us regarding our steps, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 31:21 CEB).

Lean Into the Following

When seeking guidance in any area of life, including next steps, it’s critical to lean into the following: 

  • Prayer — a privileged opportunity to talk directly to God and receive His wisdom and guidance.

  • The Holy Spirit —who speaks to us reminding us of God’s truths and guiding us in His peace.

  • Godly Community —where we receive prayer support, encouragement, assistance, care and comfort.

  • Trust — Finally, we must lean into wholehearted trust in God–a committed action that includes leaning on and acknowledging Him, resulting in direction for our path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Nearly four years ago, my husband and I committed to next steps of our own when we moved from Tampa, where we’d lived for 35 years. After much prayer and visiting several cities, we felt led to move to Greenville, SC. We came to our new state knowing very little about it and knowing no one. We only knew we wanted to be closer to mountains and experience seasons. I am happy to report that God, who directs our steps, faithfully led us to a community, church, and area we absolutely love. 

So, if you find yourself in a season of “stuckness”, uncertain of your next steps, take courage in God and commit to taking even one next step forward. And you can do this with confidence, knowing God loves you, and He personally guides and directs your every step.

Pray

Father God, thank You for empowering me to take positive steps as I journey through life. I am so grateful for the direction, guidance, counsel and wisdom available to me through Your timeless Word and Your Holy Spirit. Help me to continually trust You and faithfully step where You lead. In In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Reflect

Was there a time in your life when taking the next step turned out to be your first step in getting ‘unstuck’?

Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE or in the Comments section below.

Carol
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