When Life Doesn't Make Sense: Finding Faith in Uncertain Times

Life has a way of throwing us curveballs when we least expect them. One moment, everything seems to be going according to plan, and the next, we're left wondering what just happened. Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things, but life still didn't go the way you wanted? Have you prayed fervently for something, only to feel like heaven was silent? Or perhaps you've faced such painful circumstances that you found yourself asking, "God, where are you?"

If these questions resonate with you, take comfort in knowing you're not alone. Countless people around the world grapple with these same doubts and uncertainties. Even in the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who had to trust God when life simply didn't make sense. Today, let's explore how we can hold onto faith when we don't understand what God is doing.

Our Understanding is Limited, but God's Plan is Far Greater

Imagine trying to explain to a young child why they can't have ice cream before dinner, or why they need to wear a seatbelt. Often, their limited perspective prevents them from seeing the bigger picture. In many ways, we're like children in our relationship with God. We only see what's right in front of us, while God sees the entire tapestry of our lives.

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "'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.'" There may be circumstances in your life right now that you don't understand, but that doesn't mean God isn't working behind the scenes.

Consider the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison – Joseph's life seemed to be a series of unfair tragedies. Yet, years later, after rising to power in Egypt, Joseph was able to say 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).

What if the challenges you're facing today are actually setting you up for something far greater? What if that delay is God's protection, or that setback is preparing you for an incredible comeback?

Faith is Trusting God When Nothing Makes Sense

It's easy to have faith when everything is going well. The real test of faith comes when life doesn't make sense. The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:25-31 beautifully illustrates this point. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible – walk on water. But the moment he shifted his focus to the storm around him, he began to sink.

How often do we do the same? We start trusting God, but when life gets hard, we focus on our problems instead. Fear, stress, and doubt creep in, and like Peter, we start to sink. But here's the beautiful part of the story – the moment Peter cried out, Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him.

No matter what storms you're facing, Jesus is always there, hand outstretched, saying, "I've got you." Even when your faith feels weak, even when you feel like you're sinking, Jesus is ready to catch you and lift you up.

God is Always Working, Even When We Can't See It

Romans 8:28 assures us, "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." This doesn't mean that everything that happens is good, but rather that God can use everything for good.

Think back to the crucifixion of Jesus. To the disciples, it looked like the worst possible outcome – their Messiah, dying on a cross. It seemed like all hope was lost. But three days later, everything changed. What appeared to be the darkest moment in history became the greatest victory.

What if the loss you're experiencing now is actually setting the stage for something greater? What if the struggle you're going through is part of a bigger plan that you just can't see yet?

Don't Give Up – God's Not Done With You Yet

Galatians 6:9 encourages us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Some of you reading this might feel like giving up. You're tired, discouraged, and wondering if you can keep going. But what if your breakthrough is just around the corner?

Consider a farmer planting seeds. He doesn't expect a harvest the very next day. Instead, he plants, waits, waters, and trusts the process. Eventually, with patience and perseverance, the harvest comes. In the same way, God is working in your life, even if you can't see the results yet.

So, what do we do when life doesn't make sense?


Life will throw us curveballs. We'll face situations that we don't understand. But in those moments, we have a choice. We can either focus on the storm, or we can reach out and take Jesus' hand. We can trust that even when we don't understand, God is working all things for our good.

Maybe right now you feel like Peter, sinking under the weight of it all. Take heart – Jesus is reaching out His hand to you. The question is, will you take it? Will you choose to trust Him, even when life doesn't make sense?

Remember, your understanding is limited, but God's plan is far greater. Your faith grows stronger when you trust Him in uncertainty. God is always working, even in the unseen. And if you don't give up, you will see the harvest of your faith.

So today, whatever you're facing, choose faith over fear. Choose trust over doubt. And know that even when life doesn't make sense, God is still in control, working all things for your good.