This week’s declaration is for anyone trying to discern God’s will and having a hard time hearing from him about your next steps.

I have been on a wild goose chase over the past few months. My deepest desire has been to do the will of God. To trust and obey him, whatever the cost, whatever the outcome. I have done my best to discern God’s will, but nothing has made sense.

Confusion paralyzed me and despair threatened me. Did I mention that nothing made sense?

I believe we serve a win/win God. In other words, if you and I commit to obeying God, if we trust him to work all things together for good, then I don’t have to lose so you can win, and you don’t have to lose in order for me to win. God’s plans for us are always to prosper us and not to harm us. But when everything falls through on my end and goes through beautifully on your end, it’s easy for me to doubt God’s good plan and believe everything is lining up against me. It’s hard for us to keep moving forward when every direction looks like a dead end.

But God is full of surprises. His ways are beyond figuring out. He turns dead ends into intriguing bends in the path He has laid out before you. Your next steps may not be obvious, but don’t let that paralyze you. Step out in faith knowing that God will never misdirect you. Isaiah 30:21 promises that whether you go left or right, you will hear the still small voice of God either confirming that you’re making the right move or showing you another way to go. So, don’t worry. Give your plans over to the Lord, make that decision, and take the next best step.

Download graphics with the weekly declarations by visiting the Believe & Speak podcast page on my website: shawnamariebryant.com/mypodcast

This week's scripture: Isaiah 30:18-21