Handling Life’s Challenges in Faith

What happens when life throws a huge wrench in your plans and changes everything?

In a split second, everything you know about life can change. It can be a sudden death, a loss of income, a relationship ending, and so much more.

That’s when the ‘why’ questions come in. Your faith feels shaken, and you begin to feel lost. The ground you once stood on no longer feels steady.

I’ve been in that place of shock, panic, and deep hurt when the rug was pulled out from under me. I remember being in many situations where my plans changed without warning. One moment I felt secure, and the next I was forced to face uncertainty head-on. I went from complete shock, to panic, and eventually to acceptance. 

Even though I wasn’t prepared for the change, all I had to fall back on was my faith and trusting that God was going to work it out for my good.

The Bible tells us, “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” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

There’s a saying that goes, “We make plans and God laughs.” Everything I planned or thought I would do didn’t work out the way I wanted. But through it all, God in His grace made provision. What I thought went wrong was actually a setup for greatness, and for that, I am grateful. What I was once mad at God for not giving me turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Now, when something doesn’t work out the way I saw it, I choose to look for the positive. I see it as God’s protection, His covering, and His plan for something greater and better. Scripture reminds us, “The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:7–8).

When I think back on the jobs I lost, the friendships, and the relationships that didn’t work out, I can clearly see God’s hand leading me in another direction. He was positioning me to recognize my worth and my greatness in seasons where I wasn’t appreciated. What felt like rejection was actually redirection.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Today, I can honestly say I am grateful for life’s challenges and for the faith that grew from them. Those difficult moments strengthened my trust in God and taught me how to rely on Him fully.

I now know that no matter what comes, God will cover me coming and going. 

So, take heart when things change. Trust His will. Stay rooted in a faith that is unshaken, and watch God work His perfect plan in your circumstances.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7).

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being our constant in seasons of change. When life feels uncertain and our plans fall apart, help us to trust You even more. Strengthen our faith when it feels shaken, and remind us that You are always working behind the scenes for our good. Cover us in Your peace, guide our steps, and help us to see Your protection even when we don’t understand Your process. 

We surrender our plans, our fears, and our futures to You, trusting that Your way is always greater.

In Jesus’ precious name, we pray
Amen