In the journey of faith, uncertainties often find their way into our paths, leaving us worrying about the unknown. It is during these moments that the call to trust in God’s plan becomes not just a comforting notion but an important journey of faith. This article explores the biblical foundations, practical implications, and the peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan.
Biblical Foundations of Trusting in God’s Plan
The Bible is full of wisdom and guidance on the subject of trusting in God’s plan. As followers of Christ, we are called to put all our trust in Him and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. He is a God that never fails, is never late, and never falters. His plans for our lives are perfect, timely, and good. He doesn’t make mistakes and His promises are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Trusting in God involves surrendering our limited understanding to God’s infinite wisdom. We must surrender our desires, plans, and ambitions to Him even when we don’t understand how He will do it. You see, God’s working is totally different from how we operate. His intervention in our situations may seem awkward to us at first but they are perfectly designed. We cannot compare our works with His. But the assurance that we have is that our trust in Him will never be in vain. God, in His faithfulness and majesty, will straighten our paths.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
In Isaiah 55:10-11, God instructs us to trust in Him and have faith in His Word. He assures us that His Word must accomplish what He desires in our lives. It doesn’t matter which pattern or form He uses to make this happen, all He wants is for us to trust Him. Whether you are going through a difficult moment in life, a season of waiting, or pain, never forget that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than yours. He can use your challenging situation to make known His power and might around the world. God can use your hardship to bring out something beautiful in your life for the glory and honor of His name.
The life of Joseph in the Old Testament provides a vivid illustration of God’s sovereign plan unfolding amidst trials and setbacks. Despite being sold into slavery and facing false accusations and imprisonment, Joseph held firm to his trust in God’s plan. In the end, he declared to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives, (Genesis 50:20).
Consider the story of Job, a man who went through tribulation, loss, grief, and sickness. Even after losing his family, wealth, and every other thing he had, Job still trusted in God.
Job 42:2-3 (NIV) reads, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”
Even in sickness, Job acknowledged God’s plans and purpose to be good and wonderful. He knew that whatever happened in his life, God had a good reason behind everything and would redeem him. And indeed, God healed him and restored everything he had lost in double portion. The Bible says that the children he got after the loss of the first set of children were more beautiful and strong. His whole life became more meaningful and full of blessings than it was before calamity befell him. Job 42:12 says, “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys.”
This is how God works; sometimes He uses pain, other times He uses good moments, and other times He uses very unique ways to fulfill His plans and purpose. He blesses those who trust Him with good things and restores everything they have ever lost. He wants us to believe that even in moments of loss and pain, His plans are good. In Jeremiah 29:11, He says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Sometimes it is very hard for us to understand how God’s plans can be good in the midst of trials. But that’s the case; His plans are not harmful or destructive. And if there is any pain we experience in the process of trusting Him, they are only meant to refine us and prepare us for greater glory ahead of us. Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
How Do We Show Our Trust in God’s Plan?
Trusting in God’s plan is not a passive acceptance of circumstances but an active journey of faith that transforms our attitudes, decisions, and relationships. It involves doing things that align with the will and perfect plan of God. We can show our trust in God by;
· Surrendering Control
Trusting in God’s plan requires letting go of the need to be in control of our situations. This does not mean apathy or resignation but acknowledging that God’s ways are higher than our ways. Surrendering control involves seeking God’s guidance in prayer, aligning our desires with His will, and trusting that His plans are for our ultimate good.
Take the example of Moses who always sought the guidance of God before doing anything as he led the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. Moses always went up the mountain to ask God to give him the way forward. He never relied on his own understanding but guided the Israelites as he was guided by God. As we surrender control, we tell God that may whatever happens to us not be our will but His will.
· Embracing Patience in Waiting
Patience is a virtue of the fruit of the Spirit and is linked to trusting in God’s plan. We cannot claim to trust in God when we don’t have the patience to wait for Him to work in our lives and complete what He started in us. The Bible is filled with verses that encourage us to wait on the Lord. Psalms 27:14 (NIV) says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Waiting, however, is not passive; it is an active reliance on God’s timing.
The story of Abraham and Sarah waiting for the promised child reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when circumstances seem impossible. They waited on the Lord patiently and He answered by blessing them with a child of the promise.
· Navigating Uncertainties with Faith
Life is filled with uncertainties, and trusting in God’s plan involves navigating these uncertainties with unshakable faith. Paul, who faced numerous trials, wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28). Even in the midst of uncertainties, we can find assurance in the unchanging character of God. His power and strength is not defined by circumstances and seasons. He is still faithful and gracious in all circumstances and works behind the scenes for our good. The story of Ruth beautifully illustrates how God can use unexpected circumstances to bring about His redemptive plan. Ruth’s journey from widowhood to becoming a key figure in the lineage of Jesus showcases the beauty of embracing and having faith in God’s plan.
Even when the going is not good, we must have faith in God’s plan. We must believe that He is putting everything in place so that the days ahead may be good. God wants us to believe that even though weeping may endure for a night, His joy will come in the morning.
Conclusion
Trusting in God’s plan yields a profound peace that transcends human understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This peace is not contingent on favorable circumstances but is rooted in the assurance that God is in control. As we anchor our trust in the unchanging character of God, we find a profound peace that no one else can give. The journey of faith, though marked by uncertainties, becomes a testimony of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and boundless love.
