3 Ways To Take Steps In A Fog

bridges associate coaches discerning god's plan good coach training Jul 26, 2026

The "fog," as Jim Collins explains it in his latest book, What to Make of a Life, is the period of genuine disorientation and uncertainty that often follows a "cliff" (any event, chosen or imposed, that ends life as you knew it).

A cliff can be a wonderful experience - like a graduation, completing a big project, or the end of a big event, a promotion, retirement, or more. Or, a cliff can be an unforeseen situation that has been imposed on you - a trauma, a loss, a disappointment, a misunderstanding, or anything of that nature. Or perhaps it can even be a mixture of wonderful and difficult, like moving to another area, empty-nesting, getting married, or having a child.

Imagine moving forward in a fog. You can't see very far, so you are uncertain if you are moving toward your intended destination. Maybe you aren't even sure what you want your intended destination to be.

You take tentative steps forward in an attempt to see how things go. Some of the steps feel sure; others are rather hesitant. Things are not sure; they are cloudy.

Some people face foggy situations at a dangerous pace. They want out quickly, so they move ahead with disregard for potential dangers.

Others hang back. They fear any movement at all could result in something worse than they are already in.

So, how do we best navigate our faith journey when we are facing a foggy situation?

1) Acknowledge the situation.

See the cliff for what it is and embrace the fog as best you can. God is there for us much more than we usually realize. He likes to speak in stillness. Embrace the stillness.

2) Beware the extremes.

Moving too quickly just to get something going can cost you more than waiting and discerning; however, pushing the pause button on life is also costly if you miss out on the nexts God has for you because you feel paralyzed. (Don't worry though - if you already jumped ahead, God is such a glorious Redeemer - He can use that for good as well!)

3) Try stuff.

Take little steps. They are easily retracted if they don't deliver. Pressuring yourself to "know for sure" before you move forward can bring even more fog! Holding the future with an open hand usually results in being more open to ideas the Holy Spirit may want to drop in your heart.

Turns out God loves to meet us IN the midst of our stuff. Let Him hold you in the storm!

Are you in a fog situation of sorts?

What would be your tendency: Move too quickly to get out? Or hang back, paralyzed in fear of making a mistake?

Good Coaching can help you discern your next steps.

Good Coach Training helps you help others with their next steps.

3 Ways To Take Steps In A Fog

1) Acknowledge the situation.

2) Beware the extremes.

3) Try stuff.

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