How to Trust God When You Don’t Understand What Happened
Have you ever heard someone say…
“Let me tell you, when I get to Heaven, I’m going to have some serious questions for God! Like why did He do __________ or why didn’t He prevent __________.”
And I’ll be honest, I think everyone has moments when they don’t understand God’s sovereign decisions after a devastating loss or trial. I believe our patient loving Lord cares and understands our questions in those difficult moments.
But…
I don’t believe anyone will be “interrogating” God when they stand before Him. As I’ve shared before, every time someone in the Bible experienced the glorious presence of God . . . they fell flat on their face.
It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it?
Paul wrote:
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
Romans 11:33–36
For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?
And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
But faith makes it possible for us to trust God . . . knowing that He equally sees and understands the beginning, the end, the scope of eternity, and the place your unique one-of-a-kind life and mine fit into His plans and purposes.
God alone is infinite absolute power and wisdom.
Perhaps one of the astonishing and wondrous joys of Heaven will be seeing how God was absolutely working EVERYTHING for our good and His glory.
And at that moment, as God lifts up our flattened humble lives before Him, all those devastating burdens and losses will be replaced with unimaginable joy and peace at the knowledge that we are about to spend forever and ever in the glorious presence of God—the One who has always loved us and covered us with His mercy and grace.
A Prayer to Trust God When You Don’t Understand
Father, You alone are sovereign. You are Almighty and Perfect in all Your Ways! “Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)
Please forgive me. In this sin-filled world, it’s easy for me to question all the pain and suffering people endure. God, I don’t understand why You allow some of the horrible evil things that happen. Yet, I trust You. I trust Your wisdom and power. I trust Your righteousness and compassion. I trust Your love even when life hurts.
You were patient with Job when he didn’t understand how You could allow him to lose everything . . . his family, his wealth, his health. And after you allowed him to ask countless questions, You invited him to pause and consider some questions from You, and Job responded: “I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You.”
[LORD] You asked, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?”
“It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.” Job 42:2–3,5)
Thank you for Your patience. God, even though I don’t understand all Your ways today . . . I trust You, and I know that some day when I see You face to face the only thing that will matter is the way You loved and protected my soul for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I love the lesson from Job. It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to go to God when we don’t understand. Then it’s important to remember…
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Romans 11:36
On today’s note write:
Even when I don’t understand—God is loving, wise, and power.
May God bless you today with His peace and surround you with His love even when you don’t understand His ways.
We aren’t meant to understand, but to have faith and believe that God can do the impossible.
Blessings, Deb!
I love being able to completely rely on the One who always understands, leads, and covers with His grace. Hugs, Martha!
Yes, I agree! When we are faced with trails and disappointments it can be difficult to understand God’s ways. I know going through them, I’d call out to the Lord in desperation and ask WHY? But in my limited understanding I know the Lord was blessing me through my trials with His gifts of patience, understanding and strength. We don’t have to like it but sometimes we do have to take it and it’s in how we take it, that matters. We can go kicking and screaming but that will get us nowhere! Acceptance is the way forward, always trusting that whatever God allows in our lives is for our good. We are not meant to understand BUT believe!
Thank you Deb for sharing with us and for reminding us, that God is all wise and loving and knows what is best for us in our lives. May He bless you and keep inspiring you.
Angela – Ireland
As always . . . thank you, Angela! I completely agree! Even when I don’t understand, I want to faithfully trust and obey through faith. I want to live each day covered by His grace and living for His glory. Only with His help! May God be with you and bless you with a wonderful day!