This morning reminded me that sometimes you have to start moving before you have full clarity.
For a while now, I’ve been looking for a new church home. Since moving about 30 minutes away from my previous church, I’ve been praying for direction but hadn’t yet felt led to any particular place. I even posted on Facebook almost a year ago asking friends for recommendations, hoping to get some places to visit.
Today, I woke up with a simple intention: I’m going to church.
I chose one of the churches from the list my friends list provided on Facebook. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed something I loved—men actively serving outside, assisting with parking and security. There’s something satisfying about seeing men engaged, working in the church. I had been listening to the service via livestream on my phone as I got ready since I was running a bit behind.
But once I sat down, my spirit shifted. The people seemed warm, welcoming and friendly. But, the messaging from the pulpit took a strong stance on anti-abortion, and an upcoming campaign the church is organizing. It wasn’t simply a pro-life position, but it was the idea of using heavy, visually graphic imagery that unsettled me. That, combined with an unsettling comment about Iran, left me feeling uneasy in my spirit. I quietly slipped out a side door during the offering.
On my way to that church earlier, I had noticed another building — a school that hosts a church inside. The signage caught my attention as I was driving by. I made a mental note to look it up later. While I was sitting in the 1st service disaillusioned, I looked up the other church. I realized their service started a bit later so I still had time to get there on time. So I drove over, grabbed a few sips of coffee in the car, and then went inside.
This service was different.
As the praise team began singing, my spirit connected. I could feel God’s presence in the room. The praise team ministered to my soul. The Pastor’s message spoke to my heart. I left feeling blessed, refreshed, and open to the possibility that this might be where God is leading me.
I don’t know if this will be my permanent church home yet, but I do know this:
Had I stayed home waiting for a clear answer, I would have missed this experience.
Today’s Lesson (for myself and anyone else who needs it):
- You won’t always have full clarity before you start. Start moving anyway.
- Discernment often happens in motion.
- Being led by peace is one of the surest ways to know when something is aligned.
- What feels unsettling may actually be divine redirection.
I’m learning that sometimes the journey is part of the answer.
Closing Thought:
This is one small part of my larger journey — in life, in faith, and even in my doctoral work. Often, the next step reveals itself not while we’re sitting still, but while we’re simply taking the step that’s in front of us. Enjoy the journey!
