Trusting God's Promises

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5–6 NIV

God has the answer—whatever you face. Do you struggle with a mentally unstable child? A spouse who doesn’t support your role as a stepparent? Maybe you can’t get past the outsider feeling in your home. When suffering prevails, we’re quick to call a friend, meet a stepparent for lunch, or even consult with a pastor regarding our struggle. Those people might have an opinion to consider, but that should never be the ultimate decision-maker for us. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Do we believe Paul’s words?

Perhaps we don’t trust God. Life feels unfair. God didn’t answer our prayer the way we wanted. We still have disharmony in our home. We’ve failed at bonding with our stepchild. A custody battle looms without answers. It’s easy to blame God.

As Christians, we quote the familiar verse, Romans 8:28, when we don’t understand our struggles: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” But in the midst of suffering, that can feel like a kick to the gut. What we’re going through doesn’t feel good. Can we really trust that God has a purpose in it?

Yes, absolutely! Sometimes, the things God uses for good in our lives aren’t good in themselves, though. He doesn’t ask us to deny the reality of sickness, hardship, sin, and other evils. Grief is not joy. Betrayal is not faithfulness. Heartache is not peace. But we can trust God to bring good out of evil. God uses our suffering for lasting good—the greatest of which is conformity to the character of the Lord Jesus Christ that happens when we trust and surrender to Him.

Paul says, “We know … God works for the good.” He doesn’t say, “We feel God is working for our good,” or “We see God is working for our good.” We might feel discouraged or defeated. Perhaps we see destruction or mental illness. The key is to let knowledge override feelings. We can trust His character. He sacrificed His only Son to save us from our sins. He will work to bring good to those who love Him.

Thank You for Your promise, Lord, that good will prevail, regardless of my circumstances. I trust You. Comfort me when I’m sad.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

You can trust God to bring good from your suffering.