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Trusting God When Life is Hard

by Kate in Christian Faith· Christian Obedience· Decision-Making· Faith· Following Jesus· Trusting God

The story of Joseph from the Old Testament gives us one of the greatest views of God’s sovereignty. Joseph encountered many highs and lows over his life, yet we know that God’s ultimate plan prevailed. It’s easy for us as the readers to read that account and quickly skim over the hardship or questions Joseph may have had in the midst of his difficulties, but let’s take a minute to join Joseph in those hard moments.

After dreaming two different miraculous dreams that that his family would bow down to him along with the sun, moon and stars, his brothers, who had deep anger, resentment and bitterness toward Joseph, sold him into slavery. Can you imagine this?! His family, the people he spent all his time with and trusted the most, discarded him as if he were no better than livestock. Consider everything that was stripped from Joseph in this moment: his parents who adored him, the comfort of his surroundings, and the land he called home. He lost everything in a single moment.

Then, after being purchased as a slave, God brought Joseph to a place of prominence in Potiphar’s house. However, because of a jealous and lustful woman, he was falsely accused of sexual harassment and thrown in jail. Joseph must have been feeling some sort of déjà vu. All the comfort and security stripped away from him once again.

Then, he remains in jail at a minimum of two years (most likely a bit longer than that but based on Genesis 41:1 we concretely know it was at least two years). Scripture never gives us a glimpse into Joseph’s mindset but place yourself in his shoes. Do you think there would be any moments of hopelessness or thoughts of, “God what are you doing?” I imagine there were even though Scripture doesn’t tell us. Yet, Joseph persevered and continued to be diligent where the Lord had placed him.

Here’s the awe-inspiring moment of this story: when Egypt is in a full-blown famine with Joseph second in command, he reveals himself to his brothers who have bowed down to him (note the fulfillment of his dream) and Joseph shares that it was God who placed Joseph right where God wanted him.

He doesn’t state it once or twice, but three times to assure his brothers that God was working a plan out that none of them could have ever imagined. Take a look at what Joseph says:

  • “…God sent me ahead of you.” -Gen. 45:5b
  • “But God sent me ahead of you…” -Gen. 45:7
  • “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” -Gen. 45:8a

After all the injustice, anguish and dark nights, Joseph was still able to say that it all worked together for good and for God’s glory.

Friend, I need you to hear me: God has a plan. It’s a plan for good, He just has to work it out according to His timing. So, what do you do in the pain or the wait or the confusion?

You choose to trust Him.

The moments when we don’t feel like trusting or that we doubt anything good can come from a situation are the exact moments we grow our faith and trust in the Lord. Choosing to trust God by telling him and surrendering control over whatever you’re holding onto is how you can take a step toward trusting God more. It’s not easy, but friend, it’s freeing.

When you have trouble trusting, I’d encourage you to pray (and memorize and meditate on) the Scripture below. God is working something out friend, you and I may not be able to see it just yet.

 

“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.”
-Isaiah 55:8-9

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Filed Under: Christian Faith, Christian Obedience, Decision-Making, Faith, Following Jesus, Trusting God

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Hi! I'm Kate and I'm so glad you're here! I love sharing God's Word with others and hope that through my online home you learn more about the wonder of God's Word. Awe and wonder are there if we'd take time to sit with it and let it get in us. It's my hope that you would draw closer to the Lord as a result of spending time with these pages. I look forward to connecting with you here!

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It never fails. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ It never fails. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When I’m feeling down and depressed and I finally quiet my mind and my schedule and come to Jesus, He meets me.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In those moments with Him and His Word, He soothes my soul. What felt hopeless and disheveled minutes before is given new life. The Holy Spirit comes along side me and does what Jesus said He would do: He reminds me of Jesus’ teachings.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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He reminds me that when I am weak, God’s grace is enough and will give me strength for my weakness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
He reminds me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
He reminds me to abide with Jesus.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
He reminds me to remember God’s faithfulness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When all is said and done in the stillness with Jesus, I am renewed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is what following Jesus does for us. We experience the fruit of a peace-filled life when we take our anxiety, selfishness and wounds to Him. He quiets our soul and gives us a peace beyond comprehension.
The start of the New Year brings hope and anticipa The start of the New Year brings hope and anticipation of a clean slate. It brings new goals, resolutions and a fresh focus.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While I personally don’t set resolutions or select a word for the year, there has been one Scripture running around in my heart and mind as 2021 has dawned and that’s 1 Thessalonians 4:11a:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life…”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Leading a quiet life doesn’t mean to live a silent life, rather it means living settled, restful and undisturbed. It means focusing on the everyday callings God has given us in our lives. We are to steward well the things God has given us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Notice it also tells us to make a quiet life our “ambition.” Does this convict you like it convicts me? I can’t say that living a quiet life is always what I strive for, but Paul encourages us to do exactly that. Aim toward this, seek after it, consider it an honor to steward well your every-day-responsibilities.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In what ways can you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life? Here are a few ideas:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Work diligently fulfilling your daily duties (1 Thess. 4:11b)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Rest in Jesus (Matt. 11:28; Ps. 62:1)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Serve your spouse and children well (Phil. 2:6-7)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Steward your time in a way that honors God (Eph. 5:15-16)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Faithfully use your God-given gifts in your local church (1 Cor. 12:7)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Set your heart and mind on God’s priorities, not your own (Col. 3:1-2)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This lifestyle may not be glamorous, but it is good, friend…because it’s in the everyday that we build our life. And making it our ambition to live our daily lives well is what will bring the greatest honor to the Lord.
This month, I’m fighting to keep my mind set on This month, I’m fighting to keep my mind set on adoring God. I don’t want this month of celebration to slip away from me without spending quality time focusing on the REASON for the celebration.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I’m also focusing on telling Jesus what I love about him because, well, frankly, I need it personally. I’ve been wrestling with God a lot lately asking questions like, “Why God?” and saying statements like, “God, I don’t see how this situation is good or that it will turn out good.” Have you ever felt that way?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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God welcomes our questions because those become teachable seasons where we grow to know Him better. These seasons are not in vain. In fact, they can be quite fruitful when you lean into learning more about God. Here’s what I’ve learned in the midst of my I-don’t-understand-God season:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When I can’t see HOW God is working, I have to trust in WHO He is.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And the Bible tells me exactly who God is:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is wise⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is loving⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is faithful⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is working⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is good⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He cares⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is compassionate⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He has a plan⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is trustworthy⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-He is sovereign⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Friends, if you are wrestling with God about the whys and the I-don’t-understands, it’s vital that you know WHO God is. You need to know His character, His nature and His attributes. When you know those things, your knowledge can remind your emotions that even though things feel confusing and hopeless, you serve a God who is sure and steady.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Circumstances may not make sense and things may look bleak, but in the midst of the hard, we can find rest and refuge in the God who is good, wise and working.
Self-Control.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Confessio Self-Control.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Confession.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Denying oneself.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Forgiving.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Asking for forgiveness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Repentance.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Discipline.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Submission.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Bible is clear about one thing: the Christian life is not easy. Jesus actually tells a crowd of people that they should count the cost before following Him (Luke 14:25-35) because it is costly. Following Jesus will require that you lay down everything you hold dear in favor of what God holds dear. Following Jesus requires submission and humility to know that you are not God and His ways are higher. Following Jesus requires a lot of dying to self by admitting when you are wrong, forgiving when you’ve been hurt and holding your tongue when you want to say that curt word.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The Christian life is not easy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But it’s better friend. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Oh, is it better!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The treasures that lay on the other side of denying oneself are abundant! Freedom from anger, unforgiveness and bitterness abounds. Joy in the love of a Savior who went to the cross for you overflows.  Peace from being able to trust in the One who knows all runs deep.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Freedom abounds.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Joy overflows.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Peace runs deep.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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That’s the better life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Don’t you want that?! It’s available to all who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. He provides this and so much more. However, it does come at a cost. The Christian life isn’t always easy, but every bit of it is worth it for the better life we live when we follow Jesus.
Friends, I want to hear your stories of God‘s fa Friends, I want to hear your stories of God‘s faithfulness. How have you seen God‘s faithfulness in your life?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Share in the comments below!
Friend, I know there’s a lot of anxiety and angs Friend, I know there’s a lot of anxiety and angst surrounding election day next week, but can I provide you with some hope?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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No matter who gets elected, God is still in control. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How do I know this? The Bible tells me so:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” -Proverbs 21:1⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I encourage you to keep your gazed fixed on the King of Kings. He’s our ultimate authority and ruler. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While I am so grateful to live in the United States of America and hold the freedoms we do, no President will ever be able to fulfill the deepest needs of the people he governs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There’s only One who can save, redeem, heal and provide hope. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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His name is Jesus.
When driving my kiddos around, I’ll often hear t When driving my kiddos around, I’ll often hear the voice of my five-year-old coming from the back seat, “Mommy, are you sure this is the way?”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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At first, I thought her question was funny and maybe a little cute.  But as the months progressed and she continued  asking me that question, I grew aggravated.  I thought to myself, “Doesn’t she know by now that I know the way?!”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Then the Holy Spirit gently reminded me how similar I am to my daughter – because I ask this same question to God, “God, are you sure this is the way?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These moments cause me to come face-to-face with the question of whether or not I trust God and believe His plan is good. But God is always so gracious to receive my questions with patience. I’m a work in progress but I am grateful for those gentle reminders that He is in complete control.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You can trust Him too, friend. He is good and wise in all His ways. And instead of constantly questioning whether or not He knows the way, maybe you can join me in the backseat while we work on letting God direct the stories of our lives.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What areas of your life do you most need to trust God?
In 2019, my husband and I took a trip to Italy to In 2019, my husband and I took a trip to Italy to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. During our trip, we had a chance to visit the Sistine Chapel and see the intricate frescoes painted by Michelangelo and others. 
 
Hidden in one of the corners of the chapel was a small square that had a dark film over it obscuring the vibrant colors that lay beneath its shadow. Our tour guide informed us the Sistine Chapel recently underwent a 10-year cleaning and restoration to remove centuries-worth of dust, smoke and varnish. They left that corner square as it originally was to show the difference the restoration made.
 
As I stared up at that ceiling seeing the before and after of the restoration, I couldn’t help but think about how God restores. Except what God restores isn’t just paintings, it’s much more fragile: human hearts.
 
God is the Master Redeemer. He takes our hearts which are covered in sinful soot and washes them clean when we call upon Jesus as our Savior. Then, as we walk with Him day-by-day, he embarks on a constant restoration process in us. He carefully removes the impurities, brushing off selfishness, chiseling our pride, and carving away our stubbornness. This ongoing restoration is for the sole purpose of molding us into the image of His Son.
 
God’s restoring work is not easy nor is it painless; sometimes we squirm under the tools of our Master Redeemer wanting to flee the restoration. But if we submit to the Craftsman, we will see continual glimpses of His beautiful work completed by the only Hand that could accomplish such a delicate restoration.
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In what ways have you seen your life restored and redeemed as a result of God's work in your life?

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