Last week, our family enjoyed a week of vacation in the Outer Banks. While much time was spent jumping waves, relaxing in the sun, swimming in the pool and playing games, we also enjoyed several rounds of putt-putt. Honestly, I am not great at golf or any sport for that matter, but I do enjoy putt-putt. I have enough confidence in my ability to play the game.

Because the men in my family are golfers, I would let them go before me so I could see how they played the hole.  When it was my turn, I used what I had observed, made an imaginary line from the hole to my ball, and putted with confidence. Honestly, because I prepared for each hole in this way, I played the best I have ever played, sometimes even earning a hole in one!

I did notice a few things about my game. When I took time to observe others and make my imaginary line, I had confidence and putted well. However, if I doubted myself or lost confidence in the last moment, I missed every time.  It did not matter that I had done all the right things. When I lost confidence in what I knew, I did not trust I could make the putt.

How often do I do this in life? School taught me the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, so I could navigate the basics of life. I have lived long enough to learn life lessons I can draw from as I face the next challenge. I have watched others, learning from their successes and failures. Most of all, I have spent time in the Bible, God’s guidebook for life. In His Word, He has provided me with rules and precepts that work for this life here on earth, but more importantly, through every page, God has shown me His love that directed me toward Him. The Holy Spirit guides me through daily life, teaching me, molding me, preparing me, and yet, I often come to the place where in the next step forward, I lose confidence. I lose my trust in myself, in others, and above all, God.

Have you ever been in that place? Have you ever felt fully prepared to face the challenges of life, but when the next step comes, you lose your confidence? You find yourself unsure of who to trust? You are not even sure you can trust yourself to do the right thing, let alone trust in God to show you the way. Thankfully, God gives the confidence you need to take the next step as you trust Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB)

Trust in the Lord, not just half-heartedly, but with everything that is in you. Trust Him, because God alone is trustworthy. He knows the beginning from the end and knows you and the plan for your life better than you ever could. Trusting in what you know and what you have observed builds confidence, but you will not always know everything about your situation. There will be challenges and struggles in your life you have nothing to draw from, because they are all so new to you and everyone around you. God calls you to trust in Him, not in what you know, but in Him.

Through life you have built up knowledge, wisdom and understanding to face what is next as you have matured and grown, but sometimes those things are not enough to meet the challenges of life. God knows what you need and undergirds you with grace to supply what you do not already have. As you think on Him, depend on Him, and place your complete trust in Him through each moment of life, God promises to guide you in the way that is perfect for you. Though you may lack confidence in spite of all you know and are prepared for, God will give you the remaining confidence to take that next step as you trust Him.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the next shot. Trust God in each of your steps, knowing He is moving you along the straight line to give you that “hole in one.”