Trusting God Through Life's Uncertainties and Challenges
Summary
Life is a journey marked by both deserts and gardens, and God’s good plans for us are not always synonymous with easy paths. The promise of Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God’s intentions are for our good, but the process of living out those plans often leads us through seasons of discomfort, uncertainty, and even resistance. The key is to take heart in every season, trusting that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances but is constant and unwavering.
When God is moving us into a new season, it often begins with a “righteous restlessness”—a deep, Spirit-driven sense that we cannot remain where we are. This is not always logical or comfortable, but it is God’s way of stirring us out of complacency and into the next step of His purpose. Like the eagle stirring her nest, God sometimes makes it harder for us to stay than to move, so that we will step into the destiny He has prepared.
Yet, as we respond to this prompting, we must accept that God rarely gives us all the details up front. There is a “certain uncertainty” to the journey of faith. God gives us just enough light for the next step, not the entire roadmap. This daily dependence on Him is by design, so that we learn to trust Him for today’s bread, today’s mercy, and today’s direction.
Along the way, we will encounter predictable resistance. The presence of hardship or opposition is not a sign that we are outside of God’s will; in fact, it is often confirmation that we are right where He wants us. God uses resistance to strengthen us, to prepare us for the weight of the blessings and responsibilities that are coming. He is too wise and loving to give us more than we can bear before we are ready.
Through it all, God grants an uncommon confidence to those who trust Him. Even when the path is unclear and the obstacles are great, there is a Spirit-given assurance that God is with us, that His hand is on us, and that His plans will prevail. Our only goal, like Paul, is to finish the race and complete the task Jesus has given us—to testify to the good news of His grace. No matter where we find ourselves today, we can rest in the truth that surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.
Key Takeaways
- Righteous restlessness is often the first sign that God is moving us into a new season. This Spirit-driven compulsion may not make sense to others or even to ourselves, but it is God’s way of stirring us out of comfort and into His greater purpose. Like the eagle stirring her nest, God sometimes disrupts our comfort to prepare us for flight. Trusting this restlessness is essential to stepping into God’s good plans. [13:29]
- Embracing the process of God means accepting a certain uncertainty. God rarely reveals the full picture or all the details of His plans in advance, because we are not equipped to handle them. He gives us just enough light for the next step, teaching us to depend on Him daily for guidance, provision, and strength. This daily faith is what pleases God and grows us in trust. [22:31]
- Predictable resistance is a necessary part of pursuing God’s purpose. Opposition, hardship, and criticism are not signs of failure or abandonment by God, but are often indicators that we are on the right path. God uses these challenges to strengthen our character, deepen our faith, and prepare us for the responsibilities that come with His blessings. The struggle today is building the strength needed for tomorrow’s success. [31:15]
- God’s process produces an uncommon confidence in those who trust Him. Even in the face of uncertainty and resistance, the Spirit gives a boldness and clarity that cannot be explained by circumstances alone. This confidence is rooted not in our own abilities, but in the assurance that God is with us, His hand is on us, and His plans are good. Our focus shifts from self-preservation to faithfully finishing the task He has given us. [37:43]
- The journey of faith is not about making a name for ourselves, but about making a difference for Jesus. As we trust the process, surrender our plans, and walk in daily obedience, God weaves a story greater than anything we could script. His goodness and mercy will follow us, and the best is always yet to come for those who follow Him. [41:02]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to “Songs We Sing” Series
[03:05] - The Theology Behind “Good Plans”
[05:20] - Deserts and Gardens: Misconceptions About God’s Plans
[08:45] - Trusting the Process: God’s Good Plans Unpacked
[10:50] - Paul’s Story: Acts 20 Background
[13:29] - Righteous Restlessness: The Spirit’s Compulsion
[17:40] - Personal Testimony: Following God’s Prompting
[22:31] - Certain Uncertainty: Living Without All the Details
[28:28] - Daily Faith: Trusting God Step by Step
[31:15] - Predictable Resistance: Opposition as Confirmation
[34:50] - God’s Preparation Through Struggle
[37:43] - Uncommon Confidence: Paul’s Focus and Assurance
[41:02] - Making a Difference for Jesus
[42:00] - Closing Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Trusting God’s Good Plans in Every Season
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### Bible Reading
Acts 20:22-24 (ESV)
> And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
> For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 20:22-24, what does Paul say is compelling him to go to Jerusalem, and what does he expect to face there?
2. According to Jeremiah 29:11, what kind of plans does God have for His people?
3. The sermon describes a “righteous restlessness” that Paul experienced. What does this term mean, and how did it show up in Paul’s life? [[13:29]]
4. What does the pastor say about the relationship between God’s good plans and the presence of deserts (difficult seasons) in our lives? [[05:20]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God choose not to reveal all the details of His plans to us in advance? How does this relate to the idea of “certain uncertainty” in the journey of faith? [[22:31]]
2. The sermon says that resistance and hardship are not signs that we are outside of God’s will. How can resistance actually confirm that we are on the right path? [[31:15]]
3. What is the purpose of “righteous restlessness” in the life of a believer? How can someone discern if this restlessness is from God or just personal dissatisfaction? [[13:29]]
4. Paul says his only goal is to “finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given” him. What does this reveal about his priorities and confidence in God’s process? [[37:43]]
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### Application Questions
1. Have you ever experienced a “righteous restlessness”—a deep sense that God was moving you into a new season or direction? What did it feel like, and how did you respond? [[13:29]]
2. Is there an area of your life right now where you feel uncertain about the next step? How can you practice trusting God for “today’s bread” and “today’s direction” instead of demanding the full roadmap? [[22:31]]
3. Think about a time when you faced resistance or hardship while trying to follow God’s leading. Did you see it as a sign to stop, or did it strengthen your resolve? How might you view resistance differently after hearing this sermon? [[31:15]]
4. The pastor shared that God sometimes makes it harder to stay where we are than to move forward. Is there a “nest” in your life that God might be stirring up right now? What would it look like to step out in faith? [[13:29]]
5. Paul’s focus was not on self-preservation but on finishing the task Jesus gave him. What is one area where you tend to focus on your own comfort or safety instead of God’s calling? How can you shift your focus this week? [[37:43]]
6. The sermon says God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. How can you remind yourself of God’s goodness during a “desert” season? Is there a specific practice or truth you can hold onto? [[05:20]]
7. The journey of faith is about making a difference for Jesus, not making a name for ourselves. What is one practical way you can make a difference for Jesus in your workplace, family, or community this month? [[41:02]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the courage to trust Him in every season, for sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading, and for the confidence to step into His good plans—even when the path is uncertain or difficult.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Good Plans May Lead Through Deserts and Gardens
God’s plans for your life are always good, but that does not mean the journey will always be easy or comfortable; sometimes, you will walk through lush gardens, and other times, you will find yourself in barren deserts, yet both are part of His loving process to shape you for His purposes. In those dry, lonely, or difficult seasons, it’s vital to remember that God has not abandoned you, nor has He forgotten His promises—He is working even in the places you least expect, using every circumstance to draw you closer and prepare you for what’s ahead. [07:40]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel like you’re in a “desert” right now, and how might God be inviting you to trust Him and look for His presence even in that difficult place?
Day 2: Trusting the Process Means Embracing Righteous Restlessness
There are times when God stirs a holy discontent within you—a righteous restlessness that feels like a cord wrapped around your heart, pulling you toward something new or unknown; this is often how the Holy Spirit prompts you to move out of comfort and into the next step of His plan, even when you don’t have all the answers or details. You may not know exactly where you’re going or what it will look like, but you can trust that God is leading you, just as an eagle stirs her nest to teach her young to fly, so God lovingly unsettles you to move you into His greater purposes. [13:29]
Acts 20:22 (ESV)
“And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you sense a holy restlessness or prompting from God? What step of faith could you take this week to respond to that stirring?
Day 3: God Guides Us Step by Step, Not with All the Details
God rarely gives us the full roadmap for our lives; instead, He calls us to walk by faith, trusting Him one day at a time, even when the future is uncertain and the details are unclear. Like daily manna in the wilderness or a lamp to your feet, God provides just enough light and grace for today, inviting you to let go of your need for control and to depend on His faithfulness in each moment. [28:28]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Reflection: What is one area where you are anxious for more details or guarantees about the future? How can you practice trusting God for just the next step today?
Day 4: Predictable Resistance Is Part of God’s Preparation
When you pursue God’s will, you will inevitably face resistance—challenges, criticism, and hardships are not signs that you are off course, but often confirmation that you are right where God wants you. God uses these struggles to strengthen your faith, build your character, and prepare you for the weight of the blessings and responsibilities He has in store, ensuring you are ready to steward what He entrusts to you. [31:15]
Acts 20:23 (ESV)
“except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me.”
Reflection: Think of a current struggle or opposition you’re facing as you follow God—how might God be using this resistance to prepare you for something greater?
Day 5: Uncommon Confidence Flows from Surrendered Focus
When your heart’s deepest goal is to honor God and finish the race He has set before you, the Holy Spirit gives you an uncommon confidence and boldness, even in the face of uncertainty and hardship. This focus—valuing God’s purpose above your own comfort or safety—fills you with assurance that He is with you, empowering you to persevere and trust that His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. [37:43]
Acts 20:24 (ESV)
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
Reflection: What would it look like for you to make God’s purpose your “only goal” today, and how might that change the way you approach your challenges or opportunities?
Quotes
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