When God Prepares You for What’s Next (Even When You’re Not Ready)

I led my first funeral today.

Now, I’ve done plenty of things in ministry—preaching, teaching, leading Bible studies, having awkward “church small talk” moments—but this was a first for me. And if I’m being honest, it was a little uncomfortable. Not in a bad way, just in that this is new, and I don’t want to mess it up kind of way.

But here’s the thing: I know this won’t be my last funeral.

God has a way of preparing us for what’s ahead, even when we don’t feel ready. And lately, I’ve been feeling that in more ways than one.

Right now, I’m in the middle of a pastoral search journey, weighing two different churches, trying to figure out where God is leading my family and me. It’s not just about where do I want to go but where is God calling me? And, like many of you probably have experienced, sometimes God’s calling isn’t written out in big, flashing neon letters (though that would be nice). Instead, it’s a process of prayer, waiting, and trusting.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

I’ve read that verse a hundred times, maybe more. But living it out? That’s the hard part. Because let’s be real—our own understanding feels like a pretty solid thing to lean on sometimes. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that our plans are often just stepping stones toward something bigger that God is working out behind the scenes.

Today was a reminder that sometimes we step into something new, not because we feel fully prepared, but because God has already prepared the way.

I don’t have all the answers yet. I don’t know which church I’ll end up pastoring. But I do know that God has called me into ministry, and He’s leading the way, even if I can’t see the whole path just yet.

So, if you’re also in a season of waiting, uncertainty, or figuring out what’s next, just know—you’re not alone. Keep seeking, keep praying, and trust that when the time is right, God will make the next step clear.

And if that step happens to be leading another funeral, well… at least I’ve got one under my belt now.