Trusting God Through It All: When the News You Receive Is Not Pleasant, But Necessary

There are moments in our walk with God that leave us speechless. We pray. We fast. We seek Him. Then suddenly, news arrives that we never wanted to hear. It may be concerning our health, finances, relationships, career, or a door we desperately wanted to remain open.

Our first response is often, “Lord, why?” But what if the news was not meant to destroy you? What if it was heaven’s interruption to redirect your life?

Not every painful moment is punishment. Sometimes it is God’s mercy.

• There are seasons when the Father gently whispers, “Come higher.”

• He speaks through His Word.

• He confirms His voice through prayer.

• He sends people to encourage us.

• He places convictions in our hearts.

• Yet sometimes…we delay.

• We reason.

• We wait for another sign.

• We become comfortable where we are.

  
  

Then, because He loves us too much to leave us where we are, He begins moving circumstances that we refused to move ourselves.

God is not trying to hurt us; He is trying to save us from what we cannot see.

The Father is far more concerned about our purpose than our comfort.

The Bible reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

Notice it doesn’t say trust Him only when you understand.

It says trust Him with all your heart.

Faith begins where understanding ends.

Obedience Will Always Cost Something

• Obedience has a price.

• Sometimes it costs relationships.

• Sometimes it costs comfort.

• Sometimes it costs our own plans.

• Sometimes it requires walking away from what feels familiar to embrace what God has prepared.

  
  

Yet delayed obedience is still disobedience.

God is calling many of His children into deeper waters—not because they are ready in themselves, but because He is ready to reveal Himself in greater ways.

The question is not whether God is speaking.

The question is: Are we listening?

Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15

Our love for God is demonstrated through obedience.

Not perfect obedience.

Not convenient obedience.

But surrendered obedience.

Walking by Faith Is More Than a Christian Saying

• It is easy to say, “I walk by faith.”

• It is another thing entirely to live it.

• Walking by faith means moving when God speaks, even when the path ahead is unclear.

• It means believing before seeing.

• It means trusting before understanding.

  
  

Paul reminds us: ”(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Faith often looks uncommon.

Noah built before rain.

Abraham left home without knowing his destination.

Peter stepped onto water.

Joshua marched around walls instead of attacking them.

God has always worked in ways that challenge human reasoning.

His methods are uncommon because His wisdom is higher than ours.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.” — Isaiah 55:8–9

When God Moves What You Wouldn’t

• Sometimes we refuse to let go.

• So, God removes.

• Sometimes we refuse to leave.

• So, God closes the door.

• Sometimes we refuse to move.

• So, circumstances move us.

• It hurts.

• It is uncomfortable.

• But afterward we often discover that God was protecting us all along.

• What felt like loss became divine positioning.

• What felt like rejection became redirection.

• What felt like disappointment became preparation.

  
  

Romans reminds us: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28

Not some things.

All things.

Even the painful news.

Even the unexpected changes.

Even the unanswered questions.

Build Yourself Up in Your Most Holy Faith

Recently, I heard a minister preach a Scripture that deeply stirred my spirit and strengthened my faith. “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,” Jude 1:20

This verse is a reminder that our faith must continually be strengthened. We build ourselves up by spending time in God’s presence, praying, meditating on His Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts.

• When difficult news comes…

Build your faith.

• When God asks you to move…

Build your faith.

• When fear whispers that you cannot do it…

Build your faith.

• When you don’t understand what God is doing…

Build your faith.

Faith grows as we remain connected to the One who is faithful.

God Is Calling Us Higher

I believe we are living in a season where God is calling His people higher.

• Higher in prayer.

• Higher in holiness.

• Higher in faith.

• Higher in surrender.

• Higher in obedience.

• The invitation is open.

• But every higher place requires another “yes.”

• Another surrender.

• Another level of trust.

• Will we obey even when it doesn’t make sense?

• Will we trust Him when His instructions are uncommon?

• Will we move when everyone else is standing still?

• Isaiah gives us this beautiful promise:

  
  

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” 

Isaiah 26:3–4

A Final Encouragement

• If you recently received difficult news, don’t assume God has abandoned you.

• If God is shifting your life, don’t resist His hand.

• If He is asking you to obey in an unfamiliar way, trust His wisdom above your own.

• The same God who leads you is the same God who will sustain you.

• The same God who calls you higher is the same God who gives you the grace to climb.

• Choose faith over fear.

• Choose obedience over comfort.

• Choose trust over understanding.

One day you will look back and realize that what seemed like the hardest season of your life became the very place where your faith was strengthened, your character refined, and your relationship with God deepened.

So today, let your heart echo these words: “Father, even when I don’t understand Your ways, I choose to trust You. Even when the news is painful, I know You are still good. Even when the rivers seem dry, I will cry unto You, for You alone are my source. Lead me higher, strengthen my faith, and help me to obey quickly, completely, and joyfully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”