But How?

The most confusing state of a person is not when they don’t know what to do, or when to do it — it is often when they don’t know how to do it. In life, we often find ourselves in situations where decisions must be made. We are told what to do — to love others, to serve God, to be faithful. We are even taught when to act — to wait on the Lord, to move at the right time, to be sensitive to God’s timing. But even when we know the what and the when, we are often stuck at the same question: “But how?”

I struggled with handwriting throughout school and college. Over the course of 17 years in educational institutions, I was repeatedly told to improve my handwriting. But as far as I remember, only once did someone actually teach me how to improve it. The problem wasn’t that I didn’t know I needed improvement — many people pointed that out. But hardly anyone showed me how to go about it. That question didn’t come from laziness or rebellion. It came from a sincere desire to do better, but not knowing the practical steps to take.

This is the same issue many people face in their relationship with God or in their life decisions. They may have the willingness to do what is right but lack direction on how to do it. Many people in Scripture also faced moments when they knew what God wanted but were unsure how to carry it out.

Moses also struggled with this. When God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses didn’t reject the mission outright. He already knew what needed to be done — Israel had to be freed — and when it had to happen — now. His hesitation was about how. “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11). “Suppose they do not believe me?” (Exodus 4:1). “O my Lord, I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and of tongue” (Exodus 4:10).

Moses wasn’t doubting God’s authority; he was struggling to picture the steps between God’s command and the actual outcome. In response, God didn’t hand Moses the full blueprint for the entire journey. Instead, He gave him one step at a time: speak to Pharaoh, use the staff for signs, trust that I will speak through you. Like a lamp that lights only the next step (Psalm 119:105), God gave Moses just enough light to move forward in obedience.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a similar response when the angel told her she would conceive the Messiah. She didn’t argue or refuse. She simply asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). Mary wasn’t doubting God’s promise — she accepted it — but she was seeking understanding of the process. The angel didn’t rebuke her; instead, he explained how the Holy Spirit would come upon her and reminded her that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Like Moses, Mary received clarity for the step ahead, not the full picture of the years to come.

These examples show that asking “how?” is not a sign of weakness or disbelief. It’s a normal human response when we don’t fully understand what lies ahead.

In today’s world, where people are expected to be confident, strategic, and ready with solutions, admitting you don’t know how can feel like a failure. But the truth is, no one has all the answers. Even those who expect answers from others don’t always have them themselves.

Sometimes, God only shows us the next step, not the full path. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” A lamp gives just enough light to take the next step — not to see the whole journey. Faith means moving forward even when we don’t see the complete picture, trusting that God is leading us.

You might be confused about how to take your next step, how God will provide for your needs, or how life will turn out in the coming years. You may know what you want to do and when, but still not know how. This kind of confusion isn’t wrong. God understands our limitations. He knows that we don’t see His entire plan. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. We’re not expected to fully understand everything — we are called to trust Him.

Job also reached a point in his life when he admitted he spoke of things he didn’t understand (Job 42:3). Like him, we may not grasp everything God is doing, but we can still submit to Him.

In the meantime, we can ask God for wisdom and direction. James 1:5 encourages us to ask for wisdom, promising that God gives generously without finding fault. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that God’s grace is sufficient for us, even when we don’t have full understanding. Proverbs 11:14 also advises us to seek wise counsel when we need guidance.

So, when you feel lost or confused, pray. Bring your questions to God. Maybe you won’t get every answer immediately, but God will guide you through.

It is not a sin to not know how. It is not a sign of failure. In fact, that question can become the starting point of deeper growth. It is often in those moments — when we are uncertain — that our relationship with God becomes more real.

God is not a distant taskmaster waiting to judge your progress. He is a Father, a Shepherd, and a Teacher. When you ask, “But how?” with a willing and humble heart, He walks with you through the confusion and provides what you need.

So instead of depending on your own understanding, depend on Him. “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.” (Proverbs 3:5–6).