“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thy own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 NIV
When life presents situations that seem confusing, unfair, or overwhelming—when the “math” just isn’t “mathing”—it’s natural to seek out for understanding and comfort. The word of God offers many examples of people who faced such circumstances, yet found hope and resolution through their faith in Him. Here’s how we can spiritually navigate these situations, and draw hope from their stories:
1. Abraham’s Life: Trusting God’s Promises
- Situation: Abraham was promised by God that he would be the father of many nations, yet he and his wife Sarah were childless and advanced in age.
- Spiritual Response: Abraham believed in God’s promise despite his circumstances. In Romans 4:20-21, it is said, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
- Takeaway: When things don’t add up, trust in God’s promises. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God is faithful to fulfill His word.
2. Joseph’s Life: Seeing God’s Purpose in Trials
- Situation: Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned. It seemed like nothing in his life was going right.
- Spiritual Response: Joseph remained faithful to God through his trials. Eventually, he rose to power in Egypt and saved his family during a famine. He told his brothers, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
- Takeaway: God can turn even the darkest situations into something good. When life doesn’t make sense, remember that God may be working behind the scenes to bring about a greater purpose.
3. The Shunammite Woman: Holding on to Faith
- Situation: The Shunammite woman was promised a son by the prophet Elisha. When the child later died, it seemed that her blessing had turned into a curse.
- Spiritual Response: The woman went to Elisha, trusting that God could restore what was lost. Her faith was rewarded when Elisha prayed, and her son was brought back to life (2 Kings 4:18-37).
- Takeaway: Even when God’s promises seem to fail, continue to trust Him. God can revive and restore what seems dead or hopeless.
4. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Trusting God in the Fire
- Situation: These three men were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship a golden statue. It seemed like their faith would lead to their destruction.
- Spiritual Response: They declared, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods” (Daniel 3:17-18).
- Takeaway: Trust God regardless of the outcome. Even in the midst of “the fire,” God is present and can deliver us, or use the situation to show His great glory.
5. Noah and the Ark: Obeying God Against All Odds
- Situation: Noah was instructed by God to build an ark in preparation for a flood, even though such a thing had never happened before. He faced ridicule and doubt from those around him.
- Spiritual Response: Noah obeyed God’s command, building the ark as instructed. His obedience saved his family and preserved life on earth (Genesis 6-9).
- Takeaway: When things don’t make sense, obey God’s instructions. Trusting in His wisdom rather than human understanding can lead to salvation and preservation.
How God Makes It All Make Sense
In each of these stories, the situations didn’t make sense from a human perspective, but God had a plan that was greater than what they could see at the moment. The common thread is faith—trusting in God’s character, promises, and sovereignty. These individuals didn’t always understand what God was doing, but they chose to believe that He was good and faithful. In time, God revealed His purposes and turned their confusing situations into testimonies of His power and grace.
Spiritual Takeaway
When the math of life doesn’t add up, lean on the truth that God is in control, His ways are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect. By studying these biblical examples and holding onto God’s promises, we can find hope and comfort even in the midst of uncertainty. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” May the Lord add a blessing to the hearers and doers of his word. In Jesus Name.