There’s a certain kind of faith that shines brightest in the dark. I am not talking about the faith that celebrates when everything falls into place, but the kind that clings to God when everything falls apart.
We always talk about trusting God. We sing about it, pray about it, and quote scriptures that remind us that His ways are higher than ours. But here’s a question we don’t ask often enough:
Can God trust me to trust Him, even when I don’t get what I you want?
It’s easy to believe that when the prayer is answered, the door opens, or the opportunity lands right in our lap. But what about when God says no? What about when He says wait? What about when He’s completely silent?
That’s when trust and life get real.
That’s when faith stops being a concept and becomes a choice.
Because true trust isn’t built on outcomes. It’s built on our understanding of who we believe God is.
If we only trust Him when life feels good, that’s not trust. That’s comfort.
But when we can look at disappointment and still say, “Lord, even if You don’t give me what I want, I’ll still trust You because I know You’re good”. That’s faith in action.
Sometimes God withholds not to hurt us, but to help us.
Sometimes His “no” is really His protection.
Sometimes His silence is an invitation to go deeper in faith, not for us to walk away in frustration.
He sees the whole story while we only see the current chapter. And often, the very thing we think we’re losing is the thing He’s using to lead us toward something greater.
So the next time things don’t go your way, take a breath and ask yourself:
“Can He trust me to still believe He’s good, even here?”
Because the truth is… trust isn’t proven by the “yes.”
It’s proven by how we respond to the “no.”
Reflection Questions
- How do I usually respond when God says “no” or “wait”?
- What does trusting God look like in this season of my life?
- Is there something I’ve been holding onto that I need to surrender back to Him?
Prayer
Father, help me to trust You when I don’t understand You.
When doors close, remind me that You are still opening something greater in me.
When I don’t get what I want, give me the grace to see that You are still working for my good.
Teach me to trust Your heart even when I can’t trace Your hand.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
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In my life, I failed big-time when I didn’t get what I wanted. God worked mightily in me; I never turned away from Him (I just couldn’t), and He used that time and other times to grow my trust. He still is.
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Hey Kathy. I believe we have all had what I call spiritual tantrums. I have been there and trying not to go there now. I think what helps us most is when we remember that He is faithful and trust Him as our father who knows best. I have been working on something for years that I believe wholeheartedly that He instructed me to do. Although I have not seen the fruits of all of the labor I have put into it, I am trying with all I have to stand on His promises. I am grateful for the times that have stretched me to lean more into Him and learn more about who He is.
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It’s those times we can look back to, when we stood on those promises, and God stretched us, that grows our faith and brings us that peace that passes all understanding.
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Amen. These times are the gems and reminders along our faith journey that are invaluable because we come out knowing Him in a new way.
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