When You Don’t Know What to Do Next, Do What Mary Did

Have you ever found yourself in a season where you know you’re supposed to keep moving forward, but you don’t know the next step to take? Or a time where you’re praying for clarity and asking for signs, but everything feels uncertain and foggy?

I’ve been there too, friend, praying for God to light the way or show me the full path so that I can be confident in my next step. It’s in those seasons – the ones when my only option is to fully surrender and completely trust in Him that my faith has deepened the most.

This time of year, I can’t help but think about a woman who had incredible faith – Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I think we can all agree that Mary had no idea what her next step was after Gabriel declared her impending motherhood. No woman I know would have judged Mary if she had cried. If she had begged the angel to explain how she would tell her fiancé or her parents about this baby. If she had demanded to know how God would keep her and the baby safe.

But that was NOT how this young woman of faith responded. Instead, she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV). Wow, so simple, so humble. “Yes, Lord, may your will be done.”

Mary demonstrates that obedience doesn’t require bold leaps or step-by-step directions. Her example shows that praise and faith is all we need to take a step forward. Mary teaches us to say, “God, I don’t know how this is going to work out… but I know You do.”

So, friend, if you’re in a season where you don’t know what to do, consider that God is inviting you to step forward in faith. To believe that He has gone before you and prepared the way. To trust that even if you take a wrong step, He’ll bring you back to the right path.

I’d love for you to share in the comments: In your current season, what would it look like for you to respond like Mary – with worship, not worry?

Merry Christmas!

The LIPSTICK Coach