Faith is having assurance when circumstances in your life seem unsure, uninspired and unlikely. For in Hebrews 11:1 it says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

There are times in life that we cannot see the next step in front of us. Or we see what we think is the next step but the door is promptly shut in our face.

College athletics in particular, leads you to a penultimate season of, “What is next?” The timeline presented for us to make decisions feels equally elusive and imminent. The seemingly endless options are only outdone by the comparison to others that threatens to rob our joy at every corner.

If this is you, take heart in the fact that the God of the universe plans your steps.

Sometimes the season of waiting is just as purposeful, if not more so, in God’s plan for you in that it refines you outside of the promise fulfilled — growing you in assurance and trust.

Galatians 6:9 (New International Version) calls it a harvest: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Y’all: If God has placed something on your heart — have faith. If you aren’t sure what is placed on your heart — have faith.

The struggle, uncertainty, opposition or delay you are facing is simply painting your testimony in bolder colors. Trust God to see it through. Trust God that when it feels like all you are doing is toiling, that your harvest is getting the pruning and nutrients it needs in order to flourish.

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).