When You Don’t Understand What God Is Doing

 


There are times when life simply does not make sense. John the Baptist had faithfully preached the coming of Jesus, boldly confronted sin, and prepared people for the Messiah. Yet now he was sitting in prison, wondering why Jesus had not come to rescue him. Matthew 11:2–3 tells us that John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

John’s question is remarkably honest. Even a faithful servant of God can experience moments of confusion and discouragement. John knew who Jesus was, but his circumstances did not seem to fit what he expected God to do. Sometimes we can feel the same way. We pray, try to do what is right, and trust God, yet something painful happens and we wonder, Why is God allowing this?

Jesus did not condemn John for asking. Instead, He pointed John back to what God was doing: “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see” (Matthew 11:4). Jesus reminded him that the blind were seeing, the lame were walking, the sick were being healed, and the gospel was being preached. In other words, John, you may not understand your circumstances, but you can still trust Me.

That is an important lesson for us. Faith does not mean that we always understand what God is doing. Faith means trusting God's character when we cannot understand His plan. Paul wrote, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). We may not see the reason for our suffering today, but we can still believe that God has not abandoned us.

The New Testament gives us many promises for those difficult seasons. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” James 1:2–4 tells us that trials can produce perseverance and spiritual maturity. And 1 Peter 5:7 gives us a simple invitation: “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Perhaps one of the greatest examples is Jesus Himself. In Gethsemane, Jesus knew the suffering that awaited Him, yet He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). He trusted His Father even when the path ahead was painful.

You may be going through something today that you cannot explain. Like John, you may even be asking, “Lord, why?” It is okay to bring that question to God. But while you wait for answers, hold on to what you already know. God is faithful. Christ has not abandoned you. His love has not changed. And just because you cannot see what God is doing does not mean He is doing nothing.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, sometimes I do not understand why difficult things happen in my life. Like John the Baptist, I may become discouraged when my circumstances do not turn out the way I expected. Help me to bring my questions and fears to You instead of allowing them to destroy my faith. Remind me that You are still faithful when I cannot see the whole picture. Give me the strength to trust You, the patience to wait for Your timing, and the assurance that Your love has not changed. Help me walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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