When the Why Goes Unanswered
There are moments in life that leave us speechless—pain we didn’t expect, outcomes we didn’t plan, seasons that don’t seem fair. We pray, fast, obey… and still things don’t unfold the way we hoped.
In those moments, we’re left with questions:
- Why, God?
- Where are You?
- How could this happen?
- What am I supposed to do now?
When life doesn’t make sense, you have a choice: let confusion harden your heart—or let trust lead you forward.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
You may not understand everything—but you can trust the One who does.
Trust Doesn’t Require Full Clarity
We often want the full picture before we move. But God rarely gives step 1 through 10. He gives the next step, and asks for our trust.
Isaiah 55:8–9 (NIV):
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…”
Trust means letting go of the need to understand, and holding tightly to the One who sees the full story.
Why God Allows What Doesn’t Make Sense
We may never fully grasp God’s reasoning—but Scripture shows us He always has purpose, even when pain is present.
1. To Grow Your Faith, Not Just Your Comfort
Faith doesn’t grow in predictability—it grows in dependence.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord…” – Jeremiah 17:7
2. To Refine Your Character
Sometimes God uses what doesn’t make sense to shape what we can’t yet see in ourselves.
“Suffering produces perseverance…” – Romans 5:3–4
3. To Position You for Something Greater
Closed doors aren’t always rejection—they’re often redirection.
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” – John 13:7
What Trust Looks Like When Nothing Adds Up
1. Surrender Without Full Understanding
Pray: “God, I don’t get this. I wouldn’t have chosen this. But I trust You anyway.”
Surrender isn’t giving up—it’s handing over control to the One who already has the outcome.
2. Choose to Worship in the Middle
When life doesn’t make sense, worship isn’t fake—it’s faith in action.
Job lost everything, and still said:
“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” – Job 1:21
Worship says: “Even here, You are worthy.”
3. Anchor Yourself in the Word
When your emotions are unstable, the Word remains steady.
Declare:
- “God is for me.” – Romans 8:31
- “He will never leave me.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
- “He is working all things for good.” – Romans 8:28
Let His truth speak louder than your pain.
4. Lean Into Community, Not Isolation
It’s tempting to pull away when life doesn’t make sense. But God often speaks through faithful people.
Share with a trusted friend or mentor:
- “I don’t need answers right now—just someone to pray with me.”
Faith is easier to carry together.
5. Remember What God Has Done Before
Look back:
- What storms did you survive?
- What prayers did He already answer?
- How has He carried you in the past?
He didn’t bring you this far to abandon you now.
Biblical Stories That Didn’t Make Sense—At First
Joseph
Betrayed by family, falsely accused, imprisoned. It didn’t make sense—until he saved a nation.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” – Genesis 50:20
Ruth
Widowed, foreigner, no security. But through obedience, she became part of the lineage of Jesus.
Paul
Beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned. Still, he wrote letters that changed the Church forever.
God often uses what doesn’t make sense to write the most powerful stories.
A Prayer for the Confused and Weary Heart
“Lord, I don’t understand this season. But I trust that You are still good. Still working. Still near.
Help me walk in faith when the path is unclear.
Even in the silence, let me hear Your whisper.
Even in the waiting, let me rest in Your presence.
Even when it hurts, let me believe You are using this for my good.
I surrender the need to understand. I choose to trust You.”
Final Encouragement
Trust doesn’t erase the pain—but it gives it purpose.
You don’t have to figure everything out. You just have to keep moving forward with your hand in His.
When life doesn’t make sense, your greatest strength is not in knowing the answers—but in knowing God is still writing the story.