I’m sure we’ve all heard the story of Job. His suffering and perseverance through said suffering have become proverbial in everyday language. This account of a “blameless and upright man” (Job 1:1) enduring such trials raises questions about human suffering and the righteousness of a loving God. Many still grapple with these questions today. Why do bad things happen to good people? How can a loving and righteous God allow these bad things to happen?
Though it may not be comforting or much of an answer, we cannot ignore the fact that we live in a fallen world that does not operate by justice. What we do have, however, is a God who is wise. If we believe in His wisdom then we can trust him to be just.
Trusting God in Uncertain Times
This ability to ‘trust’ may give many of us pause. How can we trust God in uncertain times? How can we trust Him when we don’t understand? This sounds easier said than done. The truth is, it’s easy to trust God when things are going great – when the job is good, friends are great, family is loving and supportive, finances are looking good, relationship has reached ‘goals’ status, health is good, etc. However, trusting God doesn’t always come naturally, especially when life throws us unexpected challenges. When the job isn’t so great anymore, friends start switching up, family doesn’t seem all that supportive, your relationship is in shambles, you or someone close to you gets seriously ill or worse you lose someone close to you – then it gets harder to trust God. These are the situations though, where our trust in God should be solid. I know how that sounds, but just go with me for a moment.
What Does It Mean to Trust God?
According to the Collins dictionary, to trust someone means that you believe they are honest, sincere and that they won’t deliberately hurt you. In relation to God, ‘trust’ means believing that His word is true, his promises are sincere and his plans are never meant to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). Scripture reassures us in Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6, James 1:17, Hebrews 6:17-18, that God cannot lie neither does he change his mind. This means that we can believe everything that he has said. We can rely on every promise.
Furthermore, trusting God is not just a feeling, it’s a commitment to having faith in what He says even when things around us seem to indicate something different. Our trust in God shouldn’t be contingent on our circumstances. Circumstances can change in an instant but God doesn’t change, neither does his promises. This makes Him worthy of our trust. We can rest on his promises especially in difficult times and make no mistake, difficulties will come. Our faith does not exempt us from experiencing difficulties. Jesus himself told his disciples that in this life there would be trouble (John 16:33) but he also told them that He overcame the world, and so too would they as long as their trust was in Him.
Trusting God in Difficult Times
Even though troubles test our faith, our faith is in turn made more real by our troubles (1 Peter 1:6-7) and no, having faith does not mean that our troubles will automatically go away. Sometimes trials are a necessary part of God’s plan. It can be hard to accept, but sometimes when bad things happen it’s because God is working a plan that is bigger than we can fathom. Our trials then become part of his refining tools. He may not always calm the storm but He will calm us in the midst of it when the storm is for a greater purpose than we can understand.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:1-4
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Strength in Weakness: Trusting God’s Grace
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul writes about a ‘thorn in the flesh.’ Paul pleaded with God multiple times to take away this ‘thorn in the flesh.’ God’s response to Paul was this, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (v9). When we are pummeled and weakened by our struggles is when God’s strength works best in us. Only when we establish our dependence on Him and acknowledge that we are insufficient, can we truly understand when God says “my grace is sufficient for you.” This comes through trust.
Even though God did not take away Paul’s affliction, he gave him grace and strengthened him through it and in so doing reminds us that not only is He enough but also that He is still present even through our suffering. He is, as the psalmist declares, “Our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1
Trusting God in All Areas of Life
Trusting God isn’t limited to specific situations; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s trusting God with relationships, finances, career transitions, when life seems unfair or trusting god with the future, we can rest assured that He is always faithful. Even in times when He seems silent or during your season of waiting, we can trust that God is always working behind the scenes for our good (Romans 8:28).
When Trust Buckles Under Pressure
Coming back to my earlier point, it can be hard to trust God when we’re experiencing difficulties and we don’t understand his plan. God understands this; it’s no coincidence that He reminds us over and over through scripture that we can indeed trust Him. So even when we struggle with this, we can go to him with our anxieties, with our uncertainties and He will prove Himself trustworthy.
If you’re struggling to trust God, I believe if we truly cast our anxieties on him (1 Peter 5:7), He will dole out grace and strength on your life to get you through. When you don’t understand his plan, trust in his unchanging character. If His grace was sufficient for Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) then it is for us too, in any situation.
Conclusion
Trusting God is not just a concept but a lifestyle—a continuous surrender of our fears and uncertainties into His capable hands. Pray, spend time in His presence, read the scriptures, confess your weaknesses and establish your dependency on Him and wait for His revelation in His time. Don’t allow your troubles to override your trust in God.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.
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A Prayer For Trusting God
Loving God, you promised to be a present help in trouble, may your grace sustain me through this storm. Lord, when I don’t understand your plan, help me to trust in your unchanging character. Strengthen me when I am weak and broken down. Teach my heart to delight in you and let your peace surround me, In Jesus’ I pray, amen.
