Do We Truly Trust God?

It’s easy to say we trust God—until something in our life shakes us.

Over the years, as I’ve grown in my faith, my trust in the Lord has deepened. The trials and suffering I’ve experienced—through which God has been gracious—have taught me to depend more fully on His goodness and love. Yet the more I grow in my trust of the Lord, the more, through life’s circumstances, He reveals how much I still need to grow—and how often I don’t yet trust Him the way He deserves to be trusted.

Because of the fall, we will all encounter situations that challenge us. It’s unavoidable. And our reactions often show whether we are leaning on trust in God—or drifting toward trust in ourselves.

If we trust God, we recognize that His love allows these circumstances into our lives. Scripture reminds us that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28–29). God uses these moments to sanctify us and make us more like Christ. Suffering produces endurance, character, and hope (Rom. 5:3–5).

When we trust ourselves, we subtly overlook God’s providence and attempt to control outcomes. We may not say it openly, but we live as if we say, “I’ve got this.”

God uses trials to teach us how much we need Him and to reveal the depth of His care. As James 1:2–4 reminds us, trials produce steadfastness. And as that steadfastness grows, so does our reliance on Him.

Consider these questions:

1. Does the way you handle trials show trust in God—or a lack of it?

2. What matters more to you: being free from suffering, or becoming more like Christ?

Always remember that God is not wasting your trials. He is using them to strengthen your trust in Him—and to make you more like His Son.