Leave Him Out of Nothing

When we trust Him, every step has purpose.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

Anyone who’s spent more than five minutes with me knows I’m a planner. Not a casual planner—more like the contingency plan for the contingency plan variety. Our morning running group has learned this well. While they’re stretching and trying to remember why they voluntarily woke up before sunrise, I’m over there trying to give a full prerun briefing worthy of a NASA launch.

Sure, they might sigh or roll their eyes, but let’s be honest—they’re also pretty happy when, no matter what time we start, I usually get them back exactly when they need to be. I consider that my spiritual gift.

But even with all my planning, I wrestle daily with finding the balance between doing my part and trusting God with the rest.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9

In other words, God’s gently reminding me, “Plan all you want—but I’m still the One steering.”

That’s where the old saying hits home: “Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you.” God invites us to trust Him fully—not because He wants us to stop working, but because He wants us to stop worrying.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

And honestly, that’s comforting. Because when I rely only on my own understanding, life starts to feel like a trail run with no map. But when I trust God, He steadies my steps.

Psalm 37:23–24 reminds us: “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him… though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Even if I trip over my own shoelaces—yes, I have done that—He’s got me.

So, let’s commit to bringing God into everything—our plans, our work, our runs, our chaos. When we do, He guides us, strengthens us, and teaches us to trust Him more deeply… even if we still insist on giving the group a pre run route presentation.

Have a GREAT week!

Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley