Choosing What's Next
Guidance when there is no obvious answer.
On decisions, and how God actually leads.
The big idea
God guides more often through the next step than through the whole map.
Opening scripture
“Rely on God fully, not just your own viewpoint. He sees what you cannot see.”
What does “Choosing What's Next” walk through?
Trust, Don't Lean
Proverbs 3:5 · KJV
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In plain English
Rely on God fully, not just your own viewpoint. He sees what you cannot see.
He Directs The Path
Proverbs 3:6 · KJV
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
In plain English
Include God in every part of life. He will guide your decisions and direction.
Acknowledge, Then Walk
The promise is not that the route appears in advance. It is that as you go, acknowledging him, the path gets straightened. Direction is usually given in motion.
Enough Light For One Step
Psalms 119:105 · KJV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
In plain English
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
“You are asking for a floodlight. God keeps handing you a lamp — and a lamp is enough to walk by.”
Ask For Wisdom
James 1:5 · KJV
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
In plain English
When you don’t know what to do, ask God for wisdom. He gives generously without shaming you.
God Is Not Annoyed By The Question
James says God gives generously and without scolding. If you have been hesitating to ask again, that hesitation is not coming from him.
Pray
Father, I do not need the whole plan. Show me the next honest step. Amen.
Write it down
What decision are you waiting on, and what is the next small step?
One step is enough
Take the step you can see. The next one shows up from there.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 3:6, Psalms 119:105, James 1:5. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- Proverbs 3:5
- Proverbs 3:6
- Psalms 119:105
- James 1:5
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Work, Ambition and Calling
All Work, Ambition and Calling →The Work In Front Of You
Ordinary effort, offered up.
When Results Feel Like Identity
You are not your score.
The Night Before Something Big
Prayer for the hours you cannot control.
Your First Job
Character when nobody is watching.
Working For An Audience Of One
When effort goes unnoticed.
When You're The Youngest In The Room
Age is not the same as authority.