Becoming an Agent of Trusting God in Life’s Unexpected Battles
Life often presents us with unexpected challenges—health crises, financial struggles, relationship difficulties, and moments of deep uncertainty. When I found myself in an unexpected health battle, the only thing I could do was trust God and seek Him for wisdom and understanding. You might think that trusting would come easily for someone who has been healed multiple times, but I have learned that every new trial is another opportunity to trust the Lord at a deeper level. Trust is not an automatic response; it is a learned journey, one that I willingly take if it means bringing glory to God.
The Definition of Trust
According to Webster’s Dictionary, trust is “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Trusting in God means believing in His character, ability, and strength—knowing that He is always faithful and that His promises never fail. Yet, for many of us, this kind of trust does not come naturally.
My Struggle to Trust God
Years ago, I came face to face with the reality that I did not truly trust God. I was on a walk, singing and worshipping, when I belted out a lyric about trust. In that moment, with tears streaming down my face, I realized I didn’t trust Him at all. It was heartbreaking to admit as a Christian, but it was the truth. Despite believing in Jesus and knowing Scripture, my heart struggled to surrender control.
Learning to Trust: A Deliberate Journey
Trusting God is much like building trust with another person—it takes time, intentionality, and experience. Jesus Himself modeled perfect trust in the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the suffering He would endure on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His trust in God’s plan was unwavering.
I began my journey by searching the Bible for every verse on faith. Interestingly, in the Complete Jewish Bible, the word “faith” is often translated as “trust.” This opened my eyes—faith and trust are deeply intertwined. I wrote down scriptures in a journal, replacing the word “faith” with “trust” to personalize God’s promises in my heart.
Steps to Cultivating Trust in God
Be Honest with God – I made a list of everything I could and could not trust God for. Brutal honesty is essential because God already knows our hearts (Psalm 139:2-4).
Immerse Yourself in Scripture – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). The more we read and meditate on His Word, the more our trust in Him grows.
Take Steps of Faith – God led me through what I call “trust activations.” Situations arose where I had no choice but to trust Him—for my health, family, finances, and even the weather. Each step reinforced my faith.
Remember Past Victories – Throughout the Bible, God reminds His people to reflect on what He has already done (Deuteronomy 8:2). I needed to stop focusing on my fears and start celebrating my past healings and miracles.
Replace Fear with Trust – Fear is a natural response, but trust is a choice. Every time fear tried to penetrate my mind, I reminded myself of God’s faithfulness. I would say, “This is just a mind battle—I choose to trust.”
Overcoming Fear and Strengthening Faith
Even though I have experienced multiple healings without medical intervention, there are still moments when fear tries to creep in. It is in these moments that I must discipline my mind and spirit to focus on God’s victories rather than my anxieties. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Trust
Jesus demonstrated unwavering trust in God, even unto death. On the cross, He cried out, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). If Jesus could trust God in His darkest hour, we too can trust Him with our lives, our struggles, and our fears.
A Call to Trust
Trusting God is a journey—one that takes time, trials, and perseverance. But as we choose to trust Him, we will experience His faithfulness in ways we never imagined. If you are struggling with trust, take that first step today. Be honest with God, immerse yourself in His Word, remember His past victories, and walk forward in faith.
God is trustworthy. Will you choose to trust Him today?
Kathy DeGraw
