Learning to Walk Across the Bridge
How Stepping Out in Trust Changes Uncertainty into Peace and Faith into Action
This time of the year, we normally look back and reflect on the past year or even years that have gone by. I remember a couple of years ago I was standing at a crossroads in my life, caught between hesitation and hope. I received a job opportunity giving me a chance to grow professionally—but it required uprooting my family or leaving them behind and working in another city. It also required stepping far outside my comfort zone. The unknown terrified me, and the weight of the decision felt overwhelming.
I prayed for clarity, asking God to give me direction. Yet, as days turned into weeks, I realised that while I claimed to trust God’s plan, I was hesitant to take the step. I was caught up between faith and trust.
That experience taught me that trust isn’t just about believing God has a plan; it’s about stepping into it—even when the next step feels uncertain. True trust isn’t passive. It’s an act of courage, grounded in faith and carried out in action.
What Is It to Really Trust?
Trust is much more than words or ideas. It’s the glue that holds relationships together—both with others and with ourselves. To trust someone means to rely on their character, their intentions, and their ability to follow through. It’s having confidence that someone will stand by you when life gets turned upside down.
But trust starts within. Self-trust is the foundation for making confident decisions and taking risks. When we second-guess ourselves or let fear paralyse us, it’s often because we’ve lost faith in our own abilities. Building self-trust requires time, self-reflection, and the courage to act despite doubt.
For me, trust has a deeper dimension. It’s not just believing God is good—it’s surrendering control and trusting His goodness in the moments that feel uncertain or impossible. It’s choosing to rest in His promises, even when the outcome isn’t clear.
Faith vs. Trust
One can say that faith and trust are two sides of the same coin, but they play different roles. Faith is the foundation—the belief in something unseen. Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is believing in God’s character, His promises, and His power to guide us.
Trust, on the other hand, is faith in motion. It’s the step we take after we believe.
While faith looks at the bridge and says, “That can hold me,” trust is the decision to walk across it. It’s an action often requiring risk and vulnerability.
Think of it this way: faith says, “God is in control.” Trust says, “Because God is in control, I’ll let go of my fear and take the next step.” Trust is faith translated into movement.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Faith believes this promise. Trust acts on it—making decisions, facing uncertainty, and letting go of control, knowing God walks beside us.
When I finally took that job, I felt a surprising peace amid the challenges. Looking back, I see how God wove blessings into that decision—blessings I couldn’t have imagined at the time. Trusting God didn’t erase the struggles, but it gave me the confidence to face them, knowing He was leading me every step of the way.
Choosing Trust Every Day
Trust is a daily practice. Making the quiet choice to rely on God’s faithfulness in the little decisions and the big ones. It’s looking back on the moments He’s carried us before and letting those memories strengthen our resolve.
If you’re struggling to trust—whether it’s in a relationship, a career move, or God’s plan—start small. Reflect on your faith. Do you believe God is who He says He is? Do you trust His promises? If so, take the next step, however small, and act on that belief.
Walking across the bridge happens one step at a time. Each step builds confidence, deepens trust, and brings you closer to experiencing the fullness of God’s faithfulness. Let go of the fear of the unknown and lean into the peace that comes from trusting the One who holds your future in His hands.