When I Can’t See the Whole Staircase, I Must Trust the One Holding It Up

You know those moments in life where you can’t see what’s around the corner, much less what’s three steps ahead? Yeah… those moments where you feel like you’ve been handed a one-way ticket to “What Is Even Happening Right Now” and the map is missing. I’ve been there. And if I’m honest, sometimes I’ve set up camp there.

We love control. We love knowing. We want to see the entire staircase before we even think about stepping foot on the first stair. But God doesn’t operate like that. His blueprint doesn’t come with a highlighter pen for every turn, curve, or sudden drop. He’ll show you just enough to move, just enough to trust—and then He stands there holding the whole staircase, saying, “I’ve got you. Just climb.”

The thing is, faith isn’t built in the moments where everything makes sense. Faith is built when the lights are dim, your hands are trembling, and you take that first step anyway. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It’s not faith if you can see the whole thing laid out. That’s called a plan. Faith is different—it’s messy, it’s stretching, and it’s often uncomfortable.

I think sometimes we overcomplicate trusting God. We make it about having the perfect prayer, the perfect level of peace, or the perfect understanding. But trust isn’t about perfection—it’s about surrender. It’s saying, “Lord, I don’t know where this staircase leads, but I trust the one holding it.” It’s giving up the illusion that we’re in control when truthfully, we never were.

The beauty in this? God’s view is higher. He doesn’t just see the staircase; He sees the destination, the detours, the danger zones, and the blessings waiting at the top. We see one step, maybe two, and panic. He sees the full picture and still says, “Walk with Me.”

I’ll be real with you—there have been times I wanted to sit on the step I was on and refuse to budge. I told God, “I’m good right here. It’s safe. I can see this part.” But safety is not the same as purpose. And comfort doesn’t always equal calling. Sometimes we’re stuck not because God hasn’t moved, but because we’ve decided we can’t trust Him until we see the whole thing.

Friend, let me tell you this: the staircase isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the One holding it. Your step of faith will not make it crumble beneath you. In fact, the moment you choose to move forward—shaky knees and all—you’ll find the strength you need meeting you on the way up.

You may not see the top today. You may not understand why you’re being asked to climb at all. But remember this: the One holding the staircase is the same One who formed you, loves you, and has never let you fall. And when you feel like you can’t go another step, He’s the same One who will carry you.

So today, don’t wait for the perfect view. Don’t hold out for all the answers. Trust the One holding the staircase. Take the step. And when you get there, take the next one. And the next. Because sooner or later, you’ll look back and realize—you didn’t just climb; you grew, you strengthened, you became someone who learned the beauty of walking by faith and not by sight.

A little Tonyelle truth for the road: You don’t need the whole picture to move forward—you just need the right hand to hold. And that hand? It’s been steady since the beginning.

Prayer:

Lord, I admit I want to see the whole staircase before I move. But today, I choose to trust You—the One holding it up. Give me the courage to take the next step, even when I can’t see what’s ahead. Remind me that Your grip is stronger than my fear, and that every step I take with You is a step toward purpose. Amen.

If this spoke to your heart, share it with a friend or subscribe for more soul-deep encouragement.