Stepping Out Without Knowing: A Life of Trust
“He went out, not knowing whither he went.” (Hebrews 11:8)
Oswald Chambers’ thought-provoking devotional reminds us of the radical trust demonstrated by Abraham when he obeyed God’s call, venturing into the unknown without any detailed explanation or roadmap. Abraham’s story is not merely ancient history—it’s an invitation for us to live with the same unreserved dependence on God.
The Challenge of the Unknown
Have you ever felt God calling you to take a step without knowing where it will lead? Perhaps you’ve experienced the tension when someone asks, “What’s next?” and you have no concrete answer. Chambers captures this beautifully when he says, “You do not know what you are going to do; the only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing.” That’s the essence of a faith-filled life—trusting God’s wisdom and goodness, even when clarity about the next step is absent.
For many, this lack of visible direction can be unsettling. We crave plans, outcomes, and certainty. Yet, the life God calls us to is one of surrender—a continual “going out” in trust, where the focus shifts from outcomes to the person of God Himself.
A Daily Step of Faith
Living this way means revising our attitude daily. It’s not a one-time decision but a moment-by-moment choice to let go of worry and control. As Chambers suggests, each morning can be an opportunity to step out afresh, trusting God entirely.
“Take no thought for your life…nor yet for your body” (Matthew 6:25) speaks directly to this challenge. Our tendency is to plan and anticipate based on what we know, but Jesus calls us to trust in His provision. This doesn’t mean we live irresponsibly, but it does mean that we loosen our grip on the need to know everything. God doesn’t promise to reveal His plans in advance; He reveals Himself.
The Wonder of Trust
When we live with this posture of trust, life becomes infused with a holy wonder. As Chambers points out, God doesn’t tell us what He’s going to do next, but He shows us who He is. And in knowing Him more deeply, our perspective on worry and uncertainty transforms. The closer we draw to God, the more we see how impertinent worry truly is. Trusting Him doesn’t just bring peace—it brings joy and a sense of adventure, knowing that the One who holds our future is infinitely good and faithful.
Surrender Without Barriers
One of the most compelling ideas Chambers presents is the need to go out of everything that stands between us and God—our convictions, creeds, and even our past experiences. These things can be good, but they must never become a substitute for a living, active faith in God Himself. True surrender removes every barrier until nothing stands between our faith and our Father. This level of dependence is not weakness; it is the ultimate strength, rooted in a relationship with the Almighty.
A Closing Reflection
Abraham’s life shows us that stepping out without knowing is not about blind faith—it’s about trust in a God who sees what we cannot. When we let go of our need for control and place our lives entirely in His hands, we discover the supernatural peace that Chambers describes. Each step becomes an act of worship, a testament to His sufficiency.
A Prayer of Surrender
Lord, thank You for being a God we can trust completely. We step out in faith, leaving behind our need for certainty and control. Reveal Yourself to us in the moments of uncertainty, and remind us that You are the God who provides, protects, and leads. May our lives reflect a continual “going out” in dependence on You, for Your glory and our good. Amen.