How to Walk by Faith When You Don' t Know the Next Step

by Barbara Latta

A popular Christmas song “Mary Did You Know?” brings to light the questions Mary could

have had in her heart. Did she know what would happen? Did she get more messages from God that are not recorded? How do you raise the Son of God? What did she tell her other children? What did she tell Jesus? Did she have to tell Jesus who He was or did He already know?

The scripture doesn’t tell us anymore than the message the angel, Gabriel, told her about the birth of her baby. More than likely, that’s all she received because that was enough. She and Joseph were instructed by the Law of Moses about how to teach their children. As good Hebrews, they would have been obedient to the oracles and Jesus would have been instructed as all Jewish boys were.

When Jesus was presented at the temple for His circumcision Mary and Joseph encountered Anna and Simeon. The words Mary heard were painful for they told her a sword would pierce her heart. She probably didn’t understand the full implications of that prophesy, but the Bible says she pondered these things in her heart. For many years as Jesus grew, she must have reflected back upon those words as she watched Him mature.

As he worked in the carpenter shop with Joseph, did she wonder when He would do “God-like” things? When He dropped sweat from His brow and His muscles flexed while bringing a hammer down, did she see God? Did she ever question the message of Gabriel and wonder if it was all a dream? 

Her Son seemed ordinary, yet at the same time extraordinary. He is flesh and blood, yet He doesn’t quarrel or become jealous like the other children. He has insight into the Torah like no other, yet He is obedient to His earthly parents. Where did this Son of hers come from and where is He going? Will He leave and when? How long will I have Him?

Her faith in God brought her through because she didn’t have all the answers. Because of

the resurrection, we have more insight into scripture now than the Old Testament saints did, but we still have questions. We don’t know everything and we won’t until that glorious day when we meet Jesus face to face. (I Corinthians 13 :12).

So we walk by faith now in every step we take. (2 Corinthians 5:7). God expected Mary and Joseph to live by the Law of Moses because that is the Word He had given up to that time. We are expected to live by the revelation of the Word He has given us now.

When questions arise about the path of your life:

• Focus on the last thing God said and go with that until He gives new direction.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 NIV). We can’t go wrong
  if we stay in the light.
• Let the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15 NIV). If you have been praying about your next step, follow the one that gives you peace. 
• Don't be anxious about your situation (Philippians 4:6-7).

We can know God's plan is for our welfare (Jeremiah 29:11) and by following his Word as Joseph and Mary did, we can be assured every step we take will lead us the right way.

Share your thoughts about staying focused on the path God has given you to walk.