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We all wrestle with at some point: What’s next?
It’s the beginning of a new year, and life is full of transitions and crossroads. Maybe you’ve been waiting on an answer, stepping into a new season, or just wondering how to move forward after a major life change. The question of “what’s next” can feel overwhelming, but as believers, we know we’re not alone. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Today, we’ll explore how to seek God’s guidance, trust His timing, and find peace in the waiting. So, let’s dive into this journey of faith together as we think about what the new year will bring.
Learning to trust God when the future feels uncertain
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.”
Trusting God often means releasing control and leaning on Him. I know this is something that is discussed often, but we need the reminder that God is the one who has everything under control. That means we don’t have to worry because all is in His hands.
I had just graduated from college, and I didn’t have a job lined up or any idea what I was going to do. I took a little time off to figure it all out. Oddly, I wasn’t worried about it because I knew everything would work out. Funnily enough, I was planning a trip to Tennessee with my friend, and I felt very anxious, so worried about it because my mind was filled with “what if” scenarios. Isn’t it funny that I wasn’t worried about my future job but was more concerned about a long drive?
The control factor is so strange, but it is in relying on God that we can release all uncertainties to Him. God gave me peace in the one thing I should have been worried about and also gave me peace about the trip I was about to take.
Start each day with a prayer of surrender, and you will soon notice that you want to give God all of your life and trust that He has it all in His hands.
God’s presence is constant, even when the path ahead isn’t clear
Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
At one point in my life, I felt called to go on a mission trip, but due to fear and doubt, I didn’t go. I thought about that decision for a long time, thinking I missed what God had for me. Now, looking back and knowing where God had me next, I realize it was more about the willingness to go. It was in my repentance of fear and doubt that God was able to use me.
Let’s not let our fear and doubt guide us or stop us from the greatness God has for us.
When fear and doubt try to creep into your thoughts, recall scriptures about God’s faithfulness. Use His Word to combat fear and walk forward, knowing that God is the one taking the lead.
What promise of God can you cling to during uncertain times?
Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, to rely on His understanding, and to acknowledge Him in all our ways, promising that He will direct our paths. Isaiah 41:10 reassures us not to fear because God is with us, strengthening and upholding us with His righteous hand. Together, these verses emphasize God’s faithful guidance and strength, encouraging us to trust Him fully and walk confidently in His care.
Take small steps of faith each day and rely on the Lord, because when you don’t know what’s next, you can trust the One who does.
If you have ever thought about what God is trying to tell you, then you are wondering about how to discern God’s will for your life.
Psalm 37:23 reminds us, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
I’m thankful for this verse because sometimes I just don’t know what to do, and knowing that God does really helps me stay focused on Him. God’s will often unfolds step by step; it requires patience and faith. I want to make sure that my faith is in Him and nothing else.
In Scripture, God often directed people through direct communication, dreams, visions, and specific instructions within the context of their lives. For example, He told Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new land, and He spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Today, believers often experience God's direction through prayer, studying the Bible, seeking wise counsel, observing circumstances, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern God’s will in their daily lives.
Spend time in prayer and the Word to align your heart with His.
Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
God’s will becomes clearer as we renew our minds through His Word.
As we walk through life and face so many uncertainties, we need to make sure that we are aligning our desires with God’s purpose. The reason for this is so we can stay on track with Him no matter what comes our way. Life can knock us down, but when we align with what God is doing, we can stand strong on the foundation He provides for us.
Journaling about your hopes and dreams, then praying for God’s guidance, is a great way to have an open conversation with God. He will listen, guide you, and align your hopes and dreams with what He has planned for your life.
What is a step that comes to mind that you can take to align your mind and heart with God’s will?
Psalm 37:23 declares that the Lord directs the steps of those who delight in Him, ensuring their path is firm. Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by renewing our minds, aligning with God’s will—His good, pleasing, and perfect plan. Together, these verses emphasize how God leads us as we follow Him and how His guidance transforms our lives to reflect His purpose and grace.
Take time to seek God’s will daily. God’s will is revealed to hearts that are willing to listen and obey.
Taking action and trusting God with the outcomes is so important as we walk out our purpose.
Philippians 3:13-14 says, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
The only true way to move forward often requires letting go of the past.
Letting go requires us to have strength in knowing that all will be okay. This involves not only letting go of control but also forgiving and releasing fear. We hold tight to so many things, and in doing so, we can lose grip on what matters most—allowing God to guide us.
For whatever may come, we can set small, faith-driven goals for the next season.
What’s one step you can take today toward what’s next?
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
God has a specific purpose for each of us, and He equips us for it.
Life hands us a lot, and it comes in many different ways, but one thing we can do is embrace all of it as opportunities to serve and grow.
As you make it through one season and head into the next, reflect on your gifts and passions to identify where God may be leading you. This will help as you take the next big step you need to take.
What gifts do you have, and how can you use your unique gifts to glorify God in the next season?
We have been talking about what’s next for the show today. This hour, we talked about Philippians 3:13-14, which encourages us to forget what is behind and press forward, striving toward the goal of our heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works prepared for us in advance. Together, these verses emphasize the importance of perseverance in pursuing God’s purpose for our lives, trusting that He has a plan and calling uniquely designed for each of us.
Take steps of faith, trusting God with what’s next. God’s plans for you are good, and your next step is part of His masterpiece.
I hope you’re encouraged to trust God with what’s next.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that His plans for us are good, filled with hope and a future. Whether you’re in a season of waiting, transition, or new beginnings, God is with you every step of the way.
Let’s step into the year ahead with faith, trusting the One who holds our future.