Resting in God’s Promises: Learning to Trust God in Life’s Uncertain Times

Introduction

Life is filled with twists and turns that none of us see coming. One day, things are stable and predictable, and the next, we’re hit with unexpected news, job loss, health challenges, broken relationships, or sudden changes in direction. Uncertainty can shake even the strongest of people. Doubts creep in. Fear says, What if things don’t work out? The future feels blurry, and for some, trusting God feels harder than ever.

If you’re in a season like that right now, you’re not alone. Trusting God when life is good is one thing, but trusting Him when everything feels like it’s falling apart is another story. It requires faith that reaches beyond what our eyes can see and confidence in a God who works behind the scenes.

But here’s the promise: by the time you finish reading this post, you’ll walk away with fresh biblical wisdom and practical steps to help you hold onto your faith in uncertain times. God has not forgotten you, and He’s not done with your story. Let me share one that might remind you of how God shows up even when the path ahead seems impossible.

The Story of the Sixty-Something Year-Old Man

I know a man in his mid-sixties whose story reminds me that trusting God is not about having it all figured out. It’s about being willing to take the next step even when you can’t see what’s ahead.

He was once a successful business owner living far from his hometown. But life took an unexpected turn. The business struggled, finances crumbled, and eventually, he had to pack up and return home.

Over the past decade, he worked different jobs, trying to stay afloat. Yet he always talked about going back to his former city and restarting his business. It was more than just a dream, it was a longing to redeem what felt lost. In a time when most people his age were thinking about retirement, he was thinking about survival and starting over. He’d often share this desire with a sibling who lived in a nearby city. Eventually, that sibling had had enough of the talk without action. One Tuesday morning, earlier this year, she gave him an unexpected call and said, “Pack your things. I’m coming this weekend to help move you back.”

Now here’s the twist: he had less than $100 to his name.

Confused and overwhelmed, it took him a couple of days to wrestle with the decision. But he described what happened next as “a blind-faith ride.” By faith, he packed his bags, climbed into a rental truck with his sister, and left behind what was familiar to embrace the unknown.

Within his first month in the new city, he won a project bid that paid over $13,000. Recently, he accepted a lucrative job offer far more than he ever expected. The story isn’t over, but one thing is certain: he continues to trust God, step by step. And God continues to show up.

Understanding Uncertainty in Life

Uncertainty is one of the few guarantees in this life. We all face it, whether it’s about our finances, health, careers, relationships, or the state of the world. No matter how much we plan or prepare, there will always be situations that leave us feeling vulnerable and unsure.

Even the Bible is full of people who faced uncertainty. Abraham was told to leave everything familiar and go “to a land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). No maps. No timeline. Just a promise. The disciples followed Jesus, not knowing that He would be arrested and crucified. They had left their careers behind for what seemed like a devastating ending until the resurrection changed everything.

Uncertainty stirs up fear. It can make us question everything, our decisions, our future, and even our faith. It can also bring anxiety, sleepless nights, and a temptation to try and fix things in our strength.

But here’s the truth: God is not uncertain. His promises are unshakable, even when our world is shaking. He knows the end from the beginning. And while we don’t have all the answers, we can hold onto the One who does. GOD!

What Does the Bible Say About Trusting God?

The Bible is full of wisdom and encouragement for those wrestling with uncertainty. Over and over again, we are reminded to trust God, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths.” This verse reminds us that we don’t need to have everything figured out. Trust begins when we stop relying on our understanding.

Psalm 56:3 declares, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Trusting God doesn’t mean we never feel fear, it means we choose to place our confidence in Him even when we do.

And in Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks directly to our worry. He says not to be anxious about our lives, what we’ll eat, drink, or wear, because our heavenly Father knows our needs. He reminds us that if God takes care of the birds and the flowers, surely, He will take care of us as well.

Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern: in moments of uncertainty, God shows Himself faithful. He led the Israelites through the wilderness, provided manna from heaven, shut the mouths of lions for Daniel, and walked in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

God has never failed His people. And He won’t start now.

Why We Struggle to Trust God

Let’s be honest, trusting God doesn’t always come naturally. That’s because He gave us something powerful: free will. We are made in His image, and with that comes the ability to make choices, to plan, to take control. And sometimes… we want that control more than we want God’s will.

Think of a child trying to assemble a toy. You, as the adult, know how to put it together quickly and correctly, but the child insists on doing it “all by myself.” You try to offer help, but they’re determined to prove they can figure it out. So, you step back. They fumble, get frustrated, maybe even cry. And then finally, they come to you and say, “Can you help me?”

We’re often that stubborn child with God. We want to do life our way. We want to fix the problem, open the door, and make it happen. And when things don’t go as planned, we either blame God or doubt Him.

Some of us struggle to trust because of past disappointments. You may have prayed for something and felt like God didn’t answer it. You asked, you hoped… but it didn’t go the way you thought it would. So now, you hesitate to trust again.

But let’s go back to that child. When they finally ask for help, the task usually gets completed. Why? Because they surrendered. It’s not that the parent didn’t want to help; it’s that they waited for the child to ask and receive.

God is our Father. He knows our design, our purpose, our future. And He’s waiting for us to let go of the steering wheel and invite Him in.

The enemy thrives in our fears and doubts. That’s why Scripture says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). And also, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). What we speak and believe shapes our reality.

Fear is real, but so is God’s power. And when we choose to trust Him, we remove ourselves from the enemy’s playground and step into divine peace.

Practical Ways to Strengthen Trust in God

So, how do we actually grow in our trust? Here are some practical, Spirit-led steps:

1. Pray and Surrender Daily.
Prayer isn’t just asking for things, it’s a relationship. It’s saying, “God, I don’t have all the answers, but I trust You.” Begin each day with prayer, asking Him to guide your steps and surrendering your plans to His will.

2. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness.
When God answers a prayer or shows up in a powerful way, write it down. Keep a journal of past victories and blessings. Then, when uncertainty strikes, you can look back and be reminded that the same God who showed up before will do it again.

3. Immerse Yourself in Scripture.
God’s Word builds faith. Set aside time to read and meditate on His promises. Verses like Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 29:11, and Romans 8:28 can anchor your heart when your world feels unsteady.

4. Surround Yourself with a Faith Community.
Isolation breeds doubt. Fellowship with other believers brings encouragement and perspective. Share your struggles, let others pray for you, and be strengthened by their testimonies.

5. Practice Gratitude.
When life feels overwhelming, shift your focus to what is good. Make a habit of thanking God for even the small blessings. Gratitude reminds us that God is still working, even during our waiting period.

Trust is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Trusting God Even When You Don’t See the Outcome

Faith means walking, even when you can’t see where the road leads. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” That’s not just a cute verse, it’s a lifeline in hard seasons.

Sometimes, God calls us to move without full clarity, just like the man in his sixties. He packed that truck without knowing where the money would come from. He just trusted that God would make a way.

That kind of faith brings peace, not because the circumstances are easy, but because you’ve handed over control to the One who holds the future. When you surrender your need to know every detail, you make room for God to move in unexpected and powerful ways.

And even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, God’s plan is still better. He sees what we can’t. He knows what’s around the corner. Our job is to obey, trust, and believe that His way is always good, even if it’s different from ours.

Don’t wait until it all makes sense. Trust now. Move now. Believe now. That’s where miracles are born.

Conclusion

Uncertainty is unavoidable, but fear doesn’t have to be your response. Trusting God doesn’t mean you’ll always understand the path, it means you’re choosing to walk with the One who created it.

We’ve talked about the pain of uncertainty, the truth of God’s promises, and the practical ways to build trust. Like the man in his sixties, your story may not look ideal right now. You may feel like you’re starting over, stuck, or unsure of what’s next. But God sees. He hears. And He cares.

Don’t let fear have the final word. Speak faith. Choose to surrender. Remember that God has never failed you, and He’s not about to start now.

A Final Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You even when I don’t understand. Teach me to rest in Your promises and walk by faith, not by sight. Strengthen my heart and calm my anxious thoughts. Remind me of Your faithfulness and guide me in every uncertain step. I believe You are working, even when I can’t see it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep walking. God is with you every step of the way.

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