Faith: Trusting God’s Character When We Don’t Understand His Ways

Life is full of moments that leave us bewildered—times when we face suffering, unanswered prayers, unexpected losses, or prolonged waiting. In these seasons, it is tempting to ask, “God, what are You doing? Why is this happening?”

Yet faith calls us to something deeper. Faith is trusting God’s character when we don’t understand His ways. This means we must interpret our circumstances through the lens of His character rather than our circumstances (or the circumstances of others).

When we reverse this truth—when we allow our experiences to define who God is—we risk distorting His goodness, questioning His love, or doubting His power. But when we begin with God's unchanging character, we can navigate even the darkest valleys with trust, peace, and hope.

Let’s explore this powerful truth by examining three key principles:

1. God’s Character Is Unchanging, Even When Life Is Unpredictable

Our circumstances are temporary and ever-changing. One day, we feel blessed; the next, we are overwhelmed. If we define God by our day-to-day experiences, we will always struggle with doubt.

But Scripture tells us that God’s character never changes:

“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, the sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.” (Malachi 3:6, NASB)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, NASB)

If God is unchanging, then His goodness, love, wisdom, and sovereignty remain constant—even when life feels chaotic.

This means:

  • When we feel abandoned, God is still faithful (Deuteronomy 31:6).

  • When we suffer loss, God is still our provider (Philippians 4:19).

  • When we are confused, God is still wise (Romans 11:33).

  • When we are brokenhearted, God is still our healer (Psalm 147:3).

No matter what we face, we can trust who He is, even when we do not understand what He is doing.

2. We Must Interpret Our Circumstances Through His Character, Not Vice Versa

When we experience hardship, our natural response is to filter our view of God through our pain. We say:

  • “If life is hard, God must not be good.”

  • “If I’m suffering, God must not love me.”

  • “If I don’t see an answer, God must not be listening.”

But this is the wrong approach. Our circumstances do not define God’s nature—His nature defines our circumstances.

Consider Joseph in the book of Genesis. His life was filled with betrayal, false accusations, imprisonment, and years of waiting. If he had judged God based on his experiences, he might have concluded that God had abandoned him.

Yet, Joseph maintained faith, trusting that God’s purposes were greater than his pain. In the end, he could say to his brothers:

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20, NASB)

Joseph interpreted his suffering through the lens of God’s faithfulness, not the other way around.

How Do We Apply This Today?

  • Instead of saying, “If God loved me, He would have stopped this,” we say, “Because God loves me, He will sustain me through this.”

  • Instead of saying, “If God were good, He would have answered my prayer by now,” we say, “Because God is good, His timing is perfect—even when I don’t see it yet.”

  • Instead of saying, “If God was just, He wouldn’t allow evil,” we say, “Because God is just, He will one day make all things right.”

Faith means starting with God’s character and allowing that truth to shape how we see our trials.

3. Trusting God’s Character Builds Resilient Faith

Jesus never promised an easy life. In fact, He warned us that trouble would come:

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NASB)

The difference between a fragile faith and a resilient faith is whether we trust God’s character or our changing circumstances.

A Fragile Faith Says:

  • “God, I’ll trust You as long as things go my way.”

  • “I believe in Your goodness, but only when life is smooth.”

  • “I’ll follow You, but only if You give me what I want.”

A Resilient Faith Says:

  • “God, I trust You even when I don’t understand.”

  • “Your goodness is not dependent on my comfort.”

  • “I will follow You no matter what because You are faithful.”

We see this kind of faith in Job. After losing everything—his wealth, children, and health—Job made this remarkable statement:

“Though He slays me, I will hope in Him.” (Job 13:15, NASB)

Job did not understand God’s ways. He had many questions. But he anchored his trust in who God is, not in his personal suffering.

This is the faith God calls us to—a faith that trusts His heart, even when His hand is unclear.

Conclusion: Holding Onto Who God Is

Faith is not about understanding every detail of God’s plan—it’s about trusting His character when His ways are beyond our comprehension.

When we face trials, we must ask:

  • Am I defining God based on my circumstances or defining my circumstances based on God’s character?

  • Am I allowing temporary pain to distort my view of an eternal God?

  • Do I trust that even in my hardest moments, He is still good, wise, and sovereign?

As we walk through life’s uncertainties, may we stand firm in this truth:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB)

God sees the full picture. He is always good. And even when we don’t understand, we can trust Him completely.

What will you choose? Will you interpret God through your pain, or interpret your pain through God’s faithfulness?

Curtis Sergeant