When We Make Clarity An Idol
You have a huge heart for God and you just want to fulfill the purposes He has for you right? I mean you want to hear that “Well done, good and faithful servant!” when you finally meet Him face to face.
You just want to get right…right?
Maybe you say this to yourself:
“I’m just waiting for more clarity.”
“I’ll move forward once I know what God really wants.”
“I need to be sure before I say yes.”
And your prayers are like:
“Just let me know, God, I'm all in as soon as you let me know!”
“Please. God, just give me some clarity and confirmation.”
“What are my next steps, God?”
It sounds wise. Responsible, even. But can I lovingly challenge you today?
What if your need for clarity is really a disguised demand for control?
What if the thing you keep calling “wisdom” is actually hesitation and fear… masked as faith?
When Clarity Becomes an Idol
In our desire to follow God, it’s easy to unintentionally make clarity our idol. We think:
“If God would just give me the plan, I’d obey.”
But the truth is, He usually doesn’t.
He didn’t give Abraham a roadmap and multi-step plan—just a command:
“Go to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)
He didn’t give Mary a detailed parenting manual for being the mother of the Son of God—just a promise:
“You will bear a son, and He will be the Son of God.” (Luke 1:31-35)
He didn’t tell Peter where following Jesus would lead—just an invitation:
“Come, follow Me.” (Matthew 4:19)
God does give confirmation. He does speak. But more often than not, He gives just enough light for the next step, not the whole path.
Why is that?
I have a theory based on my own experience with my clarity-craving heart!! And that is…
If we knew all the steps, we wouldn’t take God with us on our journey.
Think about it. Years ago when we used to have to stop at gas stations for directions, did the person who gave you directions come with you to your destination? No, they stayed at the gas station.
God knows our prideful hearts. If we knew the whole plan, we'd leave him in the dust and do it in our own strength and wisdom. Or at least we’d try to. We wouldn't succeed because we wouldn't have the wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment to pull it off. He wants to fulfill Jeremiah 33:3, Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things that you did not know.
We don't know what we don't know.
Would we ever call on Him if we thought we already had all the answers?
God doesn't promise us a bunch of clarity because we'd have no need to trust him or to have faith. He only gives us the next step, not all the steps. He's inviting us to journey with him.
Now I'm not saying don't ask for clarity. Of course, you should pray for direction and confirmation. What I'm saying is:
Be aware of the trap of chasing clarity at the expense of obedience.
There are so many times when God actually gives us the next step, but we don't take it because we think having the next 3 to 8 steps will be better than just taking a step of faith.
Listen, I get it. I want alllllll the clarity and confirmation too! But God promises to guide us ON the journey, not BEFORE the journey. He gives direction as things unfold. I’m learning to let go because trusting God is so much better. Hesitation just gives me anxiety!!! You too??
Here are some questions you can ask yourself if you need to determine whether you are making clarity an idol:
1. What am I waiting for before I obey?
Am I delaying action because I want more details?
Has God already made something clear, but I’m still “waiting” as a way to avoid discomfort?
2. Do I believe clarity guarantees success or safety?
Am I equating “clear direction” with “nothing will go wrong”?
Would I still obey if I knew the road would be hard?
3. Have I confused faith with control?
Is my desire for clarity actually a need to stay in control of the outcome?
Do I only feel at peace when I have a plan? (PLANS are not our peace, GOD is our peace!)
4. What do I fear about moving forward without all the answers?
Am I afraid of making the wrong choice—or of looking foolish?
What’s the worst-case scenario I imagine, and is it bigger than God? (Pro tip: it is NEVER bigger than our God)
5. Do I trust God more than I trust my own understanding?
Am I leaning on my logic, or leaning into God’s leading?
Do I really believe God will guide me as I go?
6. Am I more focused on “the plan” than on the Person who guides me?
Have I spent more time seeking clarity than seeking God Himself?
Would I follow Jesus even if He gave no details, only an invitation?
7. What step of obedience am I avoiding or postponing?
What small action could I take today that doesn’t require full clarity, but does require trust?
Any of this as convicting for you as it was for me?
Keep leaning on Him, friends, He’s got you!
In passionate purpose,
Dorothy