Trying times can come into your life, where you have to choose whether you are going to trust God or not. Perhaps your boss told you they were relocating you to a new destination or your grandparents are being placed in a nursing home. Tough times, such as these, call you to trust God, even if you do not know how the situation will turn out. Things could turn out great, but they could also turn out terribly.
At these times, try to apply Proverbs 3:5-6 in your life, “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.” Have faith in God; your trust in Him will keep you strong.
1. When You Lose Your Job
God will cause you to trust Him when you lose your job. While God did not necessarily make you lose your job, it could be He is sending you in a new direction. Throughout the Bible, God tells His followers to “go” (Genesis 12:1).
Trust Him when he calls you to switch careers or companies. He has great things in store for you. Even if you fear not having enough money, supplies, or resources, trust that He will provide. As Paul tells us, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
2. If Your Spouse Leaves You
Unfortunately, many spouses leave. If your spouse leaves you, God will challenge you to trust Him. You may feel like your entire world is crumbling, but choose to stay strong. The Lord will strengthen you (Philippians 4:13). Turn to Him in prayer, tell Him the worries in your heart, and trust Him with the outcome.
If your spouse is the primary breadwinner, it will challenge you to get back into the workforce plus manage childcare. This can be challenging, especially as you are navigating the ending of your marriage. If your spouse leaves you, God can still work it out for your good (Romans 8:28). This might feel impossible right now, but God is calling you to trust Him.
3. When You Are Diagnosed With an Incurable Illness
Being diagnosed with an incurable illness or a terminal disease can weigh heavily upon a person. Maybe you have recently experienced a diagnosis, such as cancer, an autoimmune illness, a chronic disease, cardiovascular issues, or diabetes. It can be difficult to trust God when you do not know what your life is going to look like in 5-10 years.
You may question, “What if I'm not even alive anymore? Will I ever see my children grow up? Will I ever truly live?” Bring these worries to the foot of the cross and trust in the Lord. Fix your eyes on Jesus and rest in the assurance that everything will work out (Hebrews 12:2). God’s purposes cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2).
4. When a Loved One Passes Away
After a loved one passes away, your life can feel like it has been shattered into a million pieces. Their absence hangs over everything. No matter where you go or what you do, their memory follows you. When you watch a loved one die, it can permanently change you. Whether your mom, dad, spouse, sibling, or friend passed away, you could be feeling insecure, hopeless, and depressed over the future.
Know that this is normal. Bring these feelings to the Lord. Psalm 147:3 tells us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” God cares about all your feelings. Although you may feel distant from God right now, know that He is just prayer away. Offer up a quick, “I need You, God” today.
You may be tempted to blame God for the death of your loved one, but remember, God never intended for anyone to die. Death is a result of sin (Genesis 3). However, God repaired humanity's sin by sending His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). Take solace in knowing that you will see your loved ones again. Trust God with the future ahead until this day comes.
5. When God Calls You to the Mission Field
God has wonderful plans for your future (Jeremiah 29:11). Part of these wonderful plans may include sending you on the mission field. If you have felt God’s call for you to go on the mission field, do not ignore it. Jesus has commanded all Christians to participate in Kingdom work (Matthew 28:18-20).
Serving on the mission field is filled with unknowns. What if it is scary? What if the people do not like me? What if it is too hard? Trust God despite these fears. He has great plans for you on the mission field. Find joy in knowing you have been called for such an important role in God’s Kingdom.
Trusting God when you don't know the outcome can be terrifying. You may be challenged to trust Him when you are walking through a divorce, a new job, or the death of a loved one. Choose to trust Him even when all hope seems lost. In truth, where God is, hope abounds.
