Lisa Kelly of Omaha, Nebraska, wrote a blog: Six Characteristics of Ignatian Courage. (She’s talking about Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits.) I especially like #4:

Courage Takes One Step at a Time

The spirit not of God detracts people from moving toward the good by sowing seeds of doubt in one’s capacity and enlarging the possible negative long-term “what ifs.” The Spirit of God, instead, offers the grace of courage for each step of the way. Ignatius had no plan to start a global order of priests or the largest educational network in the world. He did, however, have the courage to discern each decision on the way, seeking only that the outcome reflected movement toward the will of God.

Compare to a math problem: you just take the next step. I just worked a problem on the math calendar my grandson gave me for Christmas. I had no idea where I was going, but I took the next step: look up the formula for the tangent of a sum, plug in what was given, solve for what you don’t have, voila!

Here’s one “next step” that’s always appropriate:

I trust in the Lord. And I praise him!
I trust in the Word of God. And I praise him!
What harm could man do to me?
With God on my side I will not be afraid of what comes.
My heart overflows with praise to God and for his promises.
I will always trust in him. (Psalm 56.10, 11, TPT)

Trust in God, take the next step.