Trusting God: Following Him Through Uncertainty
Summary
When life brings confusion, pain, or unanswered questions, the invitation from Jesus remains the same: “Follow Me.” God does not always provide explanations for the paths we walk, the suffering we endure, or the differences in our journeys compared to others. Instead, He calls us to trust Him, to walk by faith, and to resist the urge to compare our story with someone else’s. Peter’s encounter with Jesus after the resurrection is a powerful reminder of this truth. When Peter asked about the fate of another disciple, Jesus redirected him: “What is that to you? You follow Me.” This is a call to personal discipleship, to focus on our own walk with God, and to trust that His plans for each of us are purposeful, even when they lead through valleys we would never choose.
It is natural to wonder why some seem to have easier lives, more blessings, or fewer hardships. Yet, Scripture teaches that God’s love and plans are not measured by outward circumstances. The trials we face are not evidence of God’s absence or displeasure, but often the very means by which He is glorified in our lives. The stories of Peter, Paul, and countless others in the Bible show that faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting God in the midst of uncertainty. The greatest faith is not found in the miracle, but in the steadfast trust that says, “I will follow You, even when I do not understand.”
God’s discipline, like a loving parent’s correction, is never meant to harm but to shape us for His purposes. The secret things belong to the Lord, and we may never receive the explanations we seek. But we are given an invitation—to follow, to trust, and to believe that God is working for His glory and our good, even in the darkness. In every season—whether in suffering, waiting, or rejoicing—our call is to keep our eyes on Jesus, to resist comparison, and to walk faithfully in the unique path He has set before us.
Key Takeaways
- God’s invitation is not to understanding, but to trust. The call to “Follow Me” comes without a full explanation of the journey ahead. Faith is not built on having all the answers, but on trusting the One who leads, even when the path is unclear or difficult. [12:27]
- Comparison is a thief of spiritual focus and joy. When we fixate on how God is working in others’ lives, we lose sight of His unique plan for us. Jesus’ rebuke to Peter—“What is that to you? You follow Me”—reminds us that our calling is personal and cannot be measured against another’s story. [17:39]
- Suffering and trials are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities for His glory. The lives of Peter, Paul, and the saints show that hardship is often the context in which God’s power and grace are most clearly displayed. Our faith matures when we trust God not just in blessing, but in brokenness. [24:01]
- The deepest faith is found in obedience without explanation. Like Job, who never received answers to his questions, we are called to follow God even when the reasons for our pain remain hidden. The secret things belong to the Lord, and our peace is found in surrender, not in understanding. [27:33]
- God’s discipline is an expression of His love, not His anger. Just as a loving parent corrects a child for their good, so God shapes us through challenges and correction. His intent is always to heal, restore, and prepare us for greater things, never to harm or abandon us. [33:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - Introduction: No Explanation, Just an Invitation
[07:15] - Reading Matthew 4:18-22 and John 21:17-22
[12:27] - Jesus’ Conversation with Peter: The Call to Follow
[14:03] - Peter’s Question: What About Him?
[17:09] - Wrestling with Comparison and Fairness
[17:39] - God’s Unique Plan for Each Life
[18:41] - The Danger of Comparing Ourselves
[24:01] - Suffering, Faith, and God’s Glory
[27:33] - Trusting God Without Explanations
[28:17] - By Faith: Examples from Scripture
[29:15] - The Story of Peter and James in Prison
[31:41] - Paul’s Thorn and God’s Sufficient Grace
[32:42] - Discipline as an Act of Love
[35:07] - Following Jesus in Uncertainty
[35:57] - Prayer for the Congregation
[36:40] - Intercessory Prayers and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “No Explanation, Just an Invitation”
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 4:18-22 – Jesus calls the first disciples: “Follow Me.”
- John 21:17-22 – Jesus’ conversation with Peter after the resurrection: “What is that to you? You follow Me.”
- Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 21:17-22, what question does Peter ask Jesus about another disciple, and how does Jesus respond?
2. According to Matthew 4:18-22, what was the response of the first disciples when Jesus called them to follow Him?
3. What does Deuteronomy 29:29 say about the things God chooses to reveal and the things He keeps secret?
4. In the sermon, what are some reasons given for why we might be tempted to compare our journey with others? [17:09]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus refused to give Peter an explanation about the other disciple’s future, and instead repeated the call to “Follow Me”? [14:03]
2. What does it mean that “the secret things belong to the Lord,” and how does this shape our response to suffering or unanswered questions? [27:33]
3. The sermon says that comparison is a “thief of spiritual focus and joy.” In what ways can comparison distract us from God’s unique plan for our lives? [18:41]
4. How does the example of Peter, Paul, and other biblical figures challenge the idea that a life of faith will always be easy or free from suffering? [24:01]
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### Application Questions
1. When you face confusion or pain, do you find yourself demanding explanations from God, or are you able to trust Him without answers? What would it look like for you to “follow Jesus” in your current season, even if you don’t understand? [27:33]
2. Is there a specific area in your life where you are comparing your journey to someone else’s? How has this affected your relationship with God or your sense of joy? What practical step can you take this week to refocus on your own walk with Jesus? [18:41]
3. Think about a recent trial or hardship you’ve experienced. How might God be using this situation to shape you or bring glory to Himself? Are you open to seeing your suffering as an opportunity for God’s work? [24:01]
4. The sermon mentions that God’s discipline is an expression of His love, not His anger. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s correction? How did it help you grow, even if it was uncomfortable? [33:30]
5. The call to “follow Me” is personal and unique for each of us. What is one area where you sense God inviting you to trust Him more deeply right now? How can the group support you in this? [12:27]
6. When you look at others who seem to have an “easier” life, how do you usually respond? What truth from this sermon can help you resist the urge to compare and instead celebrate God’s work in both your life and theirs? [17:39]
7. The sermon says, “The greatest faith is not found in the miracle, but in the steadfast trust that says, ‘I will follow You, even when I do not understand.’” What is one area where you need to practice this kind of faith this week? [24:01]
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Devotional
Day 1: God’s Invitation Is to Follow, Not to Understand
God’s call to each of us is not based on providing explanations for every circumstance we face, but rather on inviting us to trust Him and follow, even when the path is unclear or difficult. Jesus’ words to Peter after predicting his future suffering were not an explanation, but a simple, powerful command: “Follow me.” In moments of confusion, pain, or uncertainty, God does not always reveal the reasons behind our trials, but He always extends the invitation to walk with Him in faith, knowing that He is sovereign and good. [12:27]
Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are waiting for an explanation from God before you move forward? Can you take a step of faith today and follow Him, even without all the answers?
Day 2: Do Not Compare Your Journey to Others
It is easy to look at the lives of others and wonder why their path seems easier or more blessed, but Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on Him and not on those around us. When Peter asked about the fate of another disciple, Jesus redirected him: “What is that to you? You follow me.” God’s plan for each person is unique, and comparing ourselves to others only leads to distraction, bitterness, and missing out on the purpose God has for us. Trust that God’s plan for your life is purposeful, even if it looks different from someone else’s. [17:39]
John 21:17-22 (ESV)
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”
Reflection: In what ways have you been comparing your life or struggles to someone else’s? How can you intentionally refocus your attention on following Jesus today, regardless of what others are experiencing?
Day 3: God’s Plan Is Unique for Each Person
God’s will for your life is not a copy of someone else’s story; He has a distinct purpose for you, even if it involves suffering, waiting, or unexpected turns. The temptation to compare or question God’s fairness is strong, especially when others seem to receive miracles or blessings that you long for. Yet, God assures us that He is in control, working through every circumstance—joyful or painful—to bring glory to Himself and to shape us into the people He desires us to be. [24:01]
2 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
Reflection: Where in your life do you struggle to accept God’s unique plan for you? What would it look like to trust that your current situation is part of His purposeful design, even if it’s not what you would have chosen?
Day 4: Faith Means Trusting God Without All the Answers
There are many things in life that remain a mystery, and God does not always reveal the reasons behind our suffering or unanswered prayers. The Bible reminds us that “the secret things belong to the Lord,” and faith is demonstrated not by having all the answers, but by continuing to trust and obey God in the midst of uncertainty. Like Job, who asked many questions but received no explanation, we are called to follow God, believing that He knows what He is doing and that His ways are higher than ours. [27:33]
Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV)
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
Reflection: What is one “secret thing” or unanswered question you are wrestling with? How can you practice trusting God with it today, even if you never receive an explanation?
Day 5: God’s Grace Is Sufficient in Every Circumstance
Whether we experience miraculous deliverance or walk through deep suffering, God’s grace is always enough to sustain us. The stories of Peter, James, and Paul show that God sometimes answers with miracles and sometimes with endurance, but in every situation, His grace is sufficient. Our faith is not proven only when life is easy, but when we continue to follow Jesus through pain, loss, and uncertainty, trusting that He is with us and will be glorified through our lives. [31:41]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Reflection: Think of a current struggle or weakness in your life. How can you rely on God’s grace today, trusting that His strength will be made perfect in your weakness?
Quotes
What of the heart rebuke that you will never have heard from the scripture Jesus said? What is it to you? How I deal with him? I have a plan for your life. I have the plan for his life. When you come down the path of following me, whatever you do, glorify me. Whatever you do, will glorify me. It's not about your life. Your life is not your own anymore. You surrender to me and you follow me. [00:17:27] (42 seconds)
We have to understand that the most greatest people in the bible deal with great tragedy and problems that we can ever imagine it is impossible to become the person that god wants us to become that brings glory to his name and bypass severe trials severe valleys and situation that tries you to the ultimate that you say though this happened to me i trust you if i lose everything i will still hold to god unchanging hands the greatest level of faith is not the miracle is when we say i trust you god even we do not understand anything we are going through [00:24:46] (48 seconds)
Show me why you allow this to happen to me. Show me. Show me this. Show me that. All of these questions, Job asks 191 questions. Why, why, why? And God never gave him an explanation. He says, follow me. I know what I am doing. [00:27:08] (35 seconds)
If you follow me, suffering, follow me. If you follow me going through a hard time, follow me. If you follow me when something tragic happened to your family, that is when people need to know that what we have does not just work when the sun is shining. It works also when hell is broken. And lows. [00:31:41] (37 seconds)
When we are right now, it's the will of God for your life. If you are following him to the best of your ability, serious about loving him, serious about loving the Lord, then right where you are, what you are doing is the plan of God for your life. God's will for your life because he's going to get glory out of your infirmity, out of your suffering, out of your heartbreaks, out of your pain, out of your tears. [00:23:00] (35 seconds)
Paul Paul going around healing people raising the death but Paul the bible says has an infirmity that was really painful and then he begged God to remove move move Thank you. Three times, the Bible says, God answered, my grace is sufficient for you. Follow me. If you follow me, suffering, follow me. If you follow me going through a hard time, follow me. If you follow me when something tragic happened to your family, that is when people need to know that what we have does not just work when the sun is shining. It works also when hell is broken. And lows. [00:30:43] (89 seconds)
I do not care what we are going through this morning with the expectation that you come in this morning you are about to be graduated and you don't know the next step you are facing difficult challenges where you look ahead you see no one behind there's no one left and right you see no one you may be looking for that answer I don't care how dark is the situation follow me in that situation Jesus said you you you you I am not going to give you an explanation. The secret things belong to the Lord. But I will give you an invitation. We belong to the King. [00:34:28] (78 seconds)
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