A Small Yes: Trusting God With the First Step
Reflection on 2 Samuel 10:12
Just Beginning
Starting Wake Up To His Word feels like a big step for me. Honestly, it’s not something that comes easily. I’ve wrestled with doubts, fear, and the feeling that maybe I’m not ready or equipped enough to do this.
But when I read this verse—
“Be strong… The Lord will do what is good in His sight.”
—it gave me courage.
It reminded me that I don’t have to have it all figured out.
I just have to show up with faith and let God lead.
That’s why I’m here—taking one small step at a time, trusting that He’s doing more than I can see.
What’s Happening in 2 Samuel 10
In 2 Samuel 10, King David tries to show kindness to a neighboring king who has just passed away. But instead of receiving his kindness, the new rulers misjudge David’s intentions. They humiliate his messengers, and what could have been peace turns into a conflict.
David’s army is sent out, led by Joab. They find themselves surrounded on both sides by enemies. And right there, with battle looming, Joab says something powerful to his men:
“Be strong, and let us fight bravely… The Lord will do what is good in His sight.”
Joab didn’t promise an easy victory. He simply called them to be faithful, to show up with courage—and then trust God with the outcome.
That’s what faith looks like sometimes:
Not knowing how things will turn out, but stepping forward anyway.
3 Simple Ways to Seek God During Your “Small Yes”
When we feel God calling us to take a step—even a small one—it can feel overwhelming.
Here are three ways I’m learning to stay close to Him in this season:
1. Start With Surrender
Before I take any step, I pause.
Just as Joab’s army had to trust God with the unknown, I have to start by surrendering my plans to Him. Sometimes, that surrender feels like a quiet moment where I simply say, “Lord, I trust You. Lead me and help me trust You with the next step.”
This act of surrender is important—it reminds me that I don’t have to carry the weight of the outcome. I’m not doing this on my own. God’s strength is far greater than anything I can muster up myself.
In Joab’s time, the battle was uncertain, but his soldiers chose to move forward in trust. Similarly, I can begin my day by offering my plans, my doubts, my fears, and my dreams to God. Surrender allows me to begin in peace, knowing that He’s already in control.
2. Stay Rooted in His Word
Some mornings, all I have is a verse—just a few quiet moments in Scripture.
In 2 Samuel 10, Joab spoke to his men before they went into battle, reminding them that God would do what was good in His sight. His words were a call to stay grounded in God’s promises, no matter how the situation looked.
Staying rooted in God’s Word is my way of reminding myself that I am not alone in this journey. Even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, God’s Word centers me and helps me remember His promises. Whether it’s a few verses, a chapter, or even just one line, His Word is my anchor.
Just like the army in Joab’s day needed to hear God’s truth to move forward, I need His truth every day to stay rooted. It keeps me grounded in faith, reminding me that I am walking alongside a God who is faithful.
3. Step Forward in Faith, Not Fear
I know what fear feels like.
It’s the whisper of doubt: “What if I fail? What if this doesn’t work?” But in 2 Samuel 10:12, Joab encourages his soldiers to step forward with courage, not knowing the outcome, but trusting that God would do what is good in His sight.
This is where I find my faith. It’s not about having all the answers or seeing the whole picture—it’s about obedience. I don’t need to know the end result; I just need to take the next step, trusting that God will guide me.
Joab’s men couldn’t control the outcome of the battle. The victory was in God’s hands. Similarly, I don’t need to control every outcome in my life. My part is to keep saying “yes”—even when it feels small, even when the way forward isn’t clear. The outcome belongs to Him.
Let’s Reflect Together
If you’re stepping into something new too—or feeling a little unsure—these questions might help you listen for God’s voice:
Reflection Questions:
1. Where is God asking me to be strong and courageous right now?
Joab called the army to be brave, even though the future wasn’t certain.
Where in your life is God calling you to step forward with courage?
2. What small step of faith is God calling me to take, even without knowing the result?
The army had no guarantee of what would happen.
Is there a step God is asking you to take right now—even if you can’t see the full picture?
3. How can I rest in the truth that God will do what is good in His sight?
Joab trusted that God’s goodness would prevail.
How can you hand the outcome over to God and trust Him with what’s ahead?
Before You Go, Hold Onto This…
When we face uncertainty, doubt, or fear of the outcome,
God calls us to show up—strong in faith and courageous in heart.
He invites us to stay rooted in His truth,
anchored in His faithfulness.
When we step out in obedience to what He’s calling us to,
we can trust that He will do what is good.
His good and perfect will will be done.
He holds the outcome of your circumstances.
Take the leap of faith—He’s already gone before you.
And He holds the victory.
A Quiet Invitation for You
If you’d like some extra space to pray, reflect, and write, I created a free printable PDF called “My Small Yes: A Quiet Reflection With God.” It’s simple, gentle, and meant to help you slow down and listen for His leading.
Even a small yes is a step of great faith. Keep seeking Him. He’s moving more than you know.
Thank You For Being Here
I’m so grateful you’re here—at the beginning of this journey with me.
Your presence, your prayers, and even your quiet reading mean more than you know.
May His Word take root in your heart.
And may your small yes flourish into something beautiful in His time.
With Love and Grace,