It’s easy to say, “give your cares to the Lord and trust Him” when everything in life seems to be going well. It’s easy to say, “I trust you Lord with everything I own” when bills are paid on time and when you just got a promotion at work.
However, if God striped you of everything you own; If God told you to leave the very job that’s paying your bills, will you trust the Lord enough to do it? Will you trust God even when you don’t understand; even when life hurts? If God told you to leave the familiar and enter the unfamiliar, will you trust Him?
For many of you, God has done just that. He has taken you from what’s “oh so familiar” and redirected your paths into the unfamiliar. You don’t understand what’s happening in your life; what to do or where to go. The only thing you know is that the Lord gave you a word (instruction, a promise, vision, etc) and the only thing you have to hold on to is that word.
I understand the feeling; you’re not alone. There is encouragement for you today. Here are 4 things to remember whenever you feel as though you don’t understand what God is doing and/or allowing in your life.
Consider the Source
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:13).
Who else can say that but God? No one, only God can say such a thing. God knows everything: the past, current and future and our knowledge and understanding doesn’t even compare to the knowledge and understanding of God – even when it applies to our own life.
Furthermore, when you don’t understand what God is doing in your life, consider the source – Who is it that you’re trusting; God or yourself?
Here is something to remember. Man is fallible; we fall short and at times we’re unable to keep our promises. Man can give you instructions that are misleading and imperfect. With God, none of these things are possible. God keeps His promises, God gives you right instructions according to His perfect will and He won’t mislead you.
No matter how much you don’t understand life as it is right now; no matter how uncomfortable it may seem or how hard it gets, don’t give up. If God is with you - the same God who spoke life into you, the same God who IS and knows the beginning and the end, the same God who knew you before the foundation of this world -is with you, then ask yourself who or WHAT can stand against you.
Consider the source and seek to be obedient to the Lord, even when you don t understand what God is doing in your life; don’t worry about “this or that” because God has provisions for you.
Trust the Lord
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
When you learn to trust the Lord, you will begin to have a sense of rest in the Lord knowing that He has everything under control even when life seems to be out of control. Trusting God will get you to the point where you make a decision to trust in Him and NOT in your own logic and understanding.
As Christians, we must make a decision to trust Him regardless of how scary the situation may seem. Trusting God doesn’t prevent you from being in uncomfortable situations but it does allow you to be placed in a position where you seek the Lord’s presence, provisions, guidance and promises.
I encourage you to stop stressing yourself out- losing sleep, being weary, anxious, worried, depressed and sad. Don’t try to understand the ways of God because it is impossible for you to understand His decisions and ways! (Romans 11:33). The natural man cannot understand the things of God. For God’s ways are higher than mans, they are past finding out and this is why we must make a decision to trust our all knowing God.
Be Obedient
The bible states that “obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)” which should tell you a lot about our God. God places significance on obedience. He’ll much rather you be obedient to His instruction than for you to give Him sacrificial praise, money offerings, fasting and etc.
Why do I bring obedience up? Because when God gives you instruction and you’re in a situation where you don’t understand what’s going on in your life, you need to be reminded to be obedient and to trust in the one who does understand – Christ. There are blessings that follow a person who is obedient just as there are curses that follows a person who is disobedient.
God Will Lead You
The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
God told Abraham to leave everything he knew; everything he was familiar with and to enter into the unfamiliar. God told him to go into a land which he will show him which meant Abraham didn’t know where he was going; He only had the instruction of the Lord to depend on. Abraham could have easily said, “God, where will I go; what will I eat and drink”, but he didn’t. He chose to trust God and be obedient and as Christians we must learn to do the same.
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
As much as we would like God to give us “what where when and how” upfront all the time (all in one shot), God does not operate like that. Sometimes, God will place you in a satiation where you have to trust Him and He’ll give you piece by piece as you obey and trust Him.
As a person who’s been in this situation, I will tell you that this only increases your faith as you learn to walk by faith and not by sight.
Trusting God When You Don’t Understand: Finial Words
I don’t know what your story is (your more than welcome to share it below), but I encourage you to trust God even when you don t understand what’s happening in your life.
You may not understand life and all that’s happening; but God will give you a piece to the puzzle as you learn to step out on faith, trust and obey him.
Don’t let the devil fool you into believing that you’re taking a step backwards in life or that you’ll never make it out of this situation; because you will. What you’re going through is temporary.
Encourage yourself in the Lord daily; read His word; pray without ceasing and seek His face. The next time you find yourself in a position where you are stressed and worried about what God is doing in your life remember to:
- Consider the Source
- Trust the Lord
- Be Obedient
- Trust God to Lead You
Prayer for Trusting God’s When You Don’t Understand Life
Heavenly Father,
I ask that you place within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to your instruction. Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight. I don’t understand what you’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust you God.
In this season, I ask that you place within me your spirit of joy, peace and rest. Give me joy; peace and rest to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust you Lord because I know that you’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control.
Lord, I thank you for clarity, guidance, provision and strength. I pray and ask for these things in Jesus name; Amen.
Pray and stay in the word of God. There is strength for you in the word of God. Trust the Lord and be obedient even when you don’t understand life and what God is doing. Be blessed and encouraged in Jesus name.
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I found this just when I needed to be reminded of God’s sovereignty, and how I must remember that HE is the Lord and Ruler of my life. I am currently in a ministry position, working with a pastor who does not preach the Gospel, does not focus on the Word and prayer, and treats “his” employees badly. I have boldly defended the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, only to be told I am judgmental, critical, and think I am the only one who knows how to do ministry. I know without a doubt that God is calling me to flee from this situation, fully trusting Him for provision and finances. I have no peace, but know that my peace will be restored when I obey God and turn in my resignation.
Thank you for your timely word. God bless you.
Kim
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Thank you so much, I am really encouraged. I just received a phone call, letting me know that I dint get the position that I applied for. I was so sad, because I really thought I would get that position but I also I know that GOD has great plans for my life.
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Thank you so much for this article for the words of encouragement that God gave you to share with us, I read this today Oct-14-2011 and it was just what I need to hear to lift up my spirit and don’t forget that God is always there and todat He used you in my life, I am going thru all diffrent trials but in my heart I know that if He changed me from a drug addiction, physical abuse and gave me a new life, He will do it again. God Bless You !! May the Lord keep using You for His Kingdom.
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Three years ago my beloved husband of 29 married years passed away. We ha
been together since the 8th grade. We did everything together. We were even business partners. Needless to say, my heart is shattered. During the time of my husbands illness, we saw God work in so many ways. Always giving praise and glory to God for what we knew he was doing . During the same time of caring for my husband, my family and I were caring for my aunt that had Dementia. I moved her into our home and had to carry her to work with us. God blessed me with his strength and peace to experience the peace of God. I felt so privileged to be able to care for my loved ones without placing them in hospice care. Three different times, God spoke to me. Each time it was at 3:00 A. M. He (God) called me by name (1) He said Discernment, Discernment. (2)Proverbs,Proverbs. I went to the Bible and opened it to Proverbs. There were so many Proverbs, I asked God to make it clearer to me. About 2 weeks later, God spoke the words Proverbs 3 so clear to me. Since that time I have heard Proverbs 3 so many times. I was at church one evening when I was approached by a woman had I noticed only once before and never saw again after she spoke to me . I noticed the woman because as she stood with the rest of the congregation, she had her hands behind her back and she was pulling on a white scalloped cloth. As some of the congregation left their seats to greet everyone, this woman who wore the same outfit both times I saw her came all the way around the section we were sitting in and approached me. As I extended my hand to greet her, she pulled me into her embrace and whispered in my ear theses words. “Why are you so worried? Why are you so worried? as I slightly pulled away from her and repeated the words she had spoken back to her, she slightly pushed me away and said,” I’M ONLY HERE TO LET YOU KNOW IT’S ALREADY DONE. She then walked away and I have never seen this woman again and know one that I asked about this lady, knows of her. Needless to say, I ‘m left even more confused. God spoke to me in the darkest time of my life. Since my husband passing, I’ve had one problem after another.
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I came to the US seven years ago alone and had the courage to come despite many health problems in my past because I trusted God. He was faithful throughout the seven years of struggle here. Recently, I resigned from a stressful job to start a new one which seemed to be a blessing from God. I worked hard at the new job but I was treated unfairly and fired. It came as a real shock to be fired like that but I felt that God wanted me to leave that job and because I did not have the courage to leave, I was terminated. I did not really understand the situation and now that I have lost the job I will have to leave the US and return to my home country. Now my whole world has turned upside down again, Ive lost my job, my boyfriend will not stand by me and I have to leave the US and start again. The future prospects seem dismal and I do not feel like I have the strength to keep fighting and starting over. I know I need to trust God and this article was very encouraging. Guilt keeps consuming me because I dont feel like I have the strength or will to fight anymore.
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Reading this really helped me and gave me more hope. See for the pasted 2 months I’ve been playing the waiting game with God. 2 months ago my girlfriend of 2 years and I broke up, something I really thought would never happen, but it did. For the first 2 weeks after the break up I tried to get her back as fast as I could, but nothing seemed to change her mind. I soon realized then that if we should get back together it’s going to be by the work of God, not me. Because it’s Him that makes things happen and not me. I know now that this happen for a reason and God has to teach me something out of this situation. Although, I’m not fully sure of what God is teaching me right now I am still keeping my eyes and ears open for Him to have me learn. I have learned this though, sometimes for God to help us He’s got to hurt us first. Because it’s through our pain and hurt that He opens our hearts to Him and are really able to turn to Him with all our attention, and that’s what He wants always, our full attention. This is really the first time in my life that I can remember that I’ve had no choice, but to walk by faith and trust him every day. He is doing a great job by giving me comfort every day and reminding me that His timing is perfect, so if He wants my girlfriend and I to get back together He will make it happen when He wants it to and He will do it in a way that brings glory to Him and makes us come closer to Him.
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This is so encouraging for me. My son was recently diagnosed with a disorder that is effecting his brain and there is no treatment. I am trusting and praying that God will stop the progression of this disease so there is no further brain damage.
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well,l googled ‘how to trust God when u dont understand’ and this article was on top. I have gone through a lot in these past 2 years and right now l felt like giving up. When l read your article it uplifted me. I was thinking of ending my life but my Spirit strongly resists and led me 2 this article. I have decided to seek Christian counsel and talk to someone who can help me get through the emotional rollercoaster l am in. Thank you.
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Thank you for this scripture. I believe in God! I wondered why God allowed bad things to happen to Good people. I realize that he has a purpose different than the plan we choose for ourselves. However, I can’t give up no matter how hard my trails and challenges are. Not many people in the world have the opportunity to create change and equality on a national level. So no matter what happens I believe that my suffering and injustices will end one day. When that day comes I will be able to share how God provided my every need.
Thank you for this scripture and encouragement. Don’t stop sharing God’s truth!
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Hello, I want to trust God a lot but the enemy is attacking my mind and thoughts. I have relationship problems with the father of my children and I pray that his heart will change, so we will have better relations with each other. I am also unemployed but passed a state exam and currently obtain my insurance license; however, I have been fearful as a new insurance agent to sell insurance to complete strangers. Therefore, I have not sold any policies or made any money in this field, due to fear. I believe that God did’nt bring me this far to leave me because He also knows I need money and/or a job very soon. My unemployment is about to run out completely in a month. I don’t just want a job, I want a career path ad believe that God is trying to tell me something. I also have always been independant with an entreprenual spirit.
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I’m distressed. I was hired for the perfect job in September — telecommuting as a public relations specialist for a startup tech company I’d been working with as a freelancer since last Spring. 9/17, the day before my birthday, they said I’d be receiving shares of the company. Every so often since then, they said payroll would be “soon.” It came to the point, however, that I could not continue working without payment. I prayed but also worried then was bold and said I did not have the resources to continue and I needed to be paid for this job.
Now my boss, who is in a distant state, has been successfully avoiding me for two weeks! I have sent respectful but firm emails. My husband (who himself does not have and will not get a job) is constantly disappointed in my lack of boldness. It also seems that all freelance work has completely dried up. I’m praying for the boldness to go before God and ask for what I need. I’m praying for the strength to speak to my mountain (ongoing joblessness and poverty) and believe it will be cast into the sea.
I do believe God CAN move these mountains. I’m just having trouble with believing he WILL do so on my behalf. I’m a devout believer and do a lot to serve God — not that one has to in order to have God’s power in their life.
I don’t know what else to do!
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Amy,
As I was reading your comment, I am reminded of something I read earlier today, Matthew 8:5-13 which talks about The Faith of a Centurion. I encourage you to read it. I encourage you to not let this situation move you from your stance in trusting God to provide. Although the situation looks discouraging, this is where we should cling onto God and hold on to our faith like never before.
I pray that God opens unexpected doors for you. That there will be no lack in your household. That every need shall be supplied according to His riches in glory! I also pray that during this testing period that God will give you the grace (strength) to get through it with exceeding joy knowing that this too will be worked out for your good and to His glory.
You are in my prayers! God bless you!
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For the first time in so many years I find someone who clearly understand what or how I am; I thank God for guiding me to this site today. For seven years now I have been going on with my life not understanding what I have to do and how. God told me what to do but for no apparent reason I kept twisting it until I was no longer sure that it was my imagination or the real thing. But from what I have just read today I realize I’ve been fooling myself and wasted too much time in which I could’ve served God. Thank u so much & God bless u so so much!
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This is an incredible post on trusting in the Lord and I found this quite encouraging. I’ve started a social network for people to share what God is doing in our lives, and I would be honored if you would share your insights with our community. BodyofGod.org
Thanks!
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To God be all the glory! I will check out your site! God bless you!
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