Say Yes to God—Even When You Don’t Know the Plan

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Trusting God isn’t always easy. We often hesitate because we don’t see the full picture, fear the unknown, or worry about how others will respond. But Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that when God calls, our role is to trust and obey, even before all the details are clear.

When God tells you to do something, say yes:

  • Even when you are unsure of the “how.”
  • Even when you are frightened.
  • Even if everyone else seems puzzled by God’s calling.

A word of caution: make sure you’re truly hearing God and not just following your own impulses. Test the calling against Scripture. God will not contradict Himself. If it aligns with His Word, obey.

My Story: Saying Yes Without Knowing All the Details

I felt a conviction in my heart to take the teenagers I teach in my local church on a mission trip. When I shared the idea, I knew many teens would hesitate—or even complain—because it conflicted with our usual summer church camp. With limited resources, the choice was “either-or,” and God made it clear: this year was for the mission trip.

I felt overwhelmed. What if no one went? I had to patiently teach the teens why this trip mattered, knowing I couldn’t change anyone’s heart. I reminded myself that even if just one person joined, it would be a blessing. Yet, the fear of failure lingered.

As students began signing up, my next concern was recruiting adult sponsors who could commit to taking a week off work to support this mission. I reached out, made heartfelt announcements, and slowly—on God’s timing—He brought the right people, perfectly suited for our team.

Even the planning logistics required faith: adapting a curriculum at the last minute, creating permission slips and packing lists, and preparing for a trip I had never been on. I even had to be okay not knowing where our team would sleep until the day we arrived.

There was a fog of unknowns, but I learned to obey God with the information I had and trust Him with what I didn’t yet know. Every step of the way, Proverbs 3:5-6 was real: trusting God over my fear, leaning on His understanding rather than my own.

Choose God Over Fear

This reminds me of Abram. God told him to pack up and go to a land he had never seen, promising He would guide him (Genesis 12). Abram probably didn’t know all the details and may have been nervous convincing his family to follow. Yet he chose God over fear. He trusted God’s promises and said yes.

Similarly, Jesus commands all followers to “go and make disciples.” We may not know all the specifics of what it looks like to “go,” but Jesus promises to be with us. That assurance is far greater than knowing every detail.

Through this mission trip, I witnessed the power of saying yes. I saw the Holy Spirit at work in my life and in the teens’, and I saw the body of Christ supporting the mission of making disciples in countless ways. Saying yes allowed God’s work to flow through me and others in ways I couldn’t have planned.

When God gives a command, say yes. The fellowship and growth you gain through obedience outweigh any fear or uncertainty.

Reflect and Connect

1. Why is Proverbs 3:5-6 both challenging and important for you?

2. What has kept you from obeying God in the past? How can you overcome those obstacles?

3. Is there something God is calling you to that requires an act of faith? Explain.

4. How can you support others who are following God’s voice?