Discover how to trust God’s plan amid life’s challenges. Embrace faith, hope, and guidance for a fulfilling spiritual journey.
In the fifth sermon of the series, we explore the challenge of trusting God when His plan isn’t clear or aligns differently from our own expectations. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 55:8-9, we emphasize that God’s ways and timing are higher than ours, and trusting Him requires faith beyond understanding. We’ll examine how trust deepens our relationship with God, moving us from head knowledge to personal experience, and discuss how trials often strengthen our faith. By embracing God’s plan, we find peace, guidance, and unexpected blessings, even in the midst of uncertainty.
Kingdom Way Church – https://KingdomWay.ca is our church in Edmonton, Alberta. Watch us live at https://KWay.live Sundays at 10:00 AM Mountain time. Watch Video on Demand at https://Kway.tv Connect and learn more at https://MyKWC.ca
Notes on Trusting God’s Plan
Timmy and Sarah’s Summer Camp Surprise
Timmy and Sarah were so excited about summer camp. It was their favorite time of year—swimming, hiking, and making new friends. But a week before camp, their parents sat them down with some unexpected news.
“Kids, we’ve had a change of plans,” their dad said. “Instead of camp, we’re going on a family road trip.”
Timmy’s heart sank. “A road trip? But we’ve been waiting for camp all year!”
“We know,” their mom said, “but we feel like this trip is what’s best for the family right now. We’re going to some amazing places, and we’ll be together the whole time.”
Sarah tried to be positive, but Timmy wasn’t having it. “This isn’t fair,” he grumbled. “How could this be better than camp?”
On the trip, Timmy was stubborn and frustrated at first, convinced the whole adventure was a bad idea. But as the days went on, something surprising happened. They visited places they never imagined—stunning mountains, exciting landmarks, and even a theme park that Timmy didn’t know about. The road trip turned out to be full of unforgettable experiences, and Timmy realized that his parents knew what they were doing after all.
At the end of the trip, Timmy smiled at Sarah. “I guess Mom and Dad’s plan was better than camp, huh?”
Sarah nodded, laughing. “Who knew we could trust them?”
Just like Timmy learned to trust his parents’ unexpected plan, we often struggle when God’s plans for our lives seem unclear. But, like Timmy discovered, trusting those who see the bigger picture can lead to blessings we didn’t expect!
I know while preparing this message it was for me. I hope each of you get something out of it. But if not, at least I did while preparing it.
Proverbs 3:5–6 NASB95
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Isaiah 55:8–9 NASB95
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
I. The Challenge of Trusting When God’s Plan is Unclear
A. God’s Plan is Often Different Than Ours:
Imagine for a moment I gave you a task. The task was to make the most amazing meal you can using the available ingredients. You walk over to the fridge and see a few ingredients, then open up the cupboards to find a few more things. You start to come up with a plan. It’s hard; it’s difficult, but you struggle through— not really having all you need to make what you intended, but you substitute and do your best. After putting in a few hours, your meal is complete— below your expectations of what you know you could have done, but you used what you had.
I come into the kitchen to see what you’ve prepared and then I stop and ask you… why you didn’t use anything from the pantry. You surprisingly ask what pantry? I tell you the one behind the door. You open the door and see a plethora of items—everything fresh and in plenty. All you had to do was open the door, and you had everything you needed and more.
I use this to illustrate: When we try to do what we feel God is leading us to do, it is often the case that we are not utilizing all God has provided us. We get tunnel vision, focusing on what we see and know, forgetting that the God we serve is Jehovah Jireh—the God who provides. He doesn’t send us out unprepared or unequipped.
Often, the time of waiting is actually a time of preparation, a time of equipping, a time of imparting.
We truly fool ourselves when we audaciously believe we know better than God—that God should act in our timing and in the manner we are expecting.
None of us have ever done that?
God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Job 38:4–41 NASB95
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
5 Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
6 “On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
7 When the morning stars sang together
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 “Or who enclosed the sea with doors
When bursting forth it went out from the womb;
9 When I made a cloud its garment
And thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 And I placed boundaries on it
And set a bolt and doors,
11 And I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther;
And here shall your proud waves stop’?
12 “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning,
And caused the dawn to know its place,
13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 “It is changed like clay under the seal;
And they stand forth like a garment.
15 “From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the uplifted arm is broken.
16 “Have you entered into the springs of the sea
Or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 “Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
Or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18 “Have you understood the expanse of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.
19 “Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,
20 That you may take it to its territory
And that you may discern the paths to its home?
21 “You know, for you were born then,
And the number of your days is great!
22 “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,
23 Which I have reserved for the time of distress,
For the day of war and battle?
24 “Where is the way that light is divided,
Or the east wind scattered on the earth?
25 “Who has cleft a channel for the flood,
Or a way for the thunderbolt,
26 To bring rain on a land without people,
On a desert without a man in it,
27 To satisfy the waste and desolate land
And to make the seeds of grass sprout?
28 “Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
29 “From whose womb has come the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth?
30 “Water becomes hard like stone,
And the surface of the deep is imprisoned.
31 “Can you bind the chains of Pleiades,
Or loose the cords of Orion?
32 “Can you lead forth a constellation in its season,
And guide the Bear with her satellites?
33 “Do you know the ordinances of heaven,
Or fix their rule over the earth?
34 “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
So that an abundance of water will cover you?
35 “Can you send forth lightnings that they may go
And say to you, ‘Here we are’?
36 “Who has put wisdom in the innermost being
Or given understanding to the mind?
37 “Who can count the clouds by wisdom,
Or tip the water jars of heaven,
38 When dust hardens into a mass
And clods stick together?
39 “Can you hunt prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of young lions,
40 When they crouch in their dens
and lie in wait in their lair?
41 “Who prepares for the raven its nourishment
When its young cry to God
and wander about without food?
Who are we to question God?
Job 1:1 NASB95
1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.
As stated earlier, I’m preaching to myself; this is something I’m still learning… struggling to be honest. Over 10 years ago Shawn Bolz gave me a prophecy confirming many things God has spoken to me—one of which was the formation of KWEN and bringing 100 million disciples into the Kingdom.
But Shawn’s word also spoke about benefactors coming who would “father my dreams through finances.” Yet the current reality has been that it takes faith every month to believe there will be enough just to pay the bills.
But who am I to question God?
What about you? Are there things you have been waiting on God to deliver? Things you think God is missing in timing?
The Tension of Waiting:
Waiting on God’s timing is often difficult but essential for growing in trust. The psalmist in Psalm 27 challenges us:
Psalm 27:14 NASB95
14 Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.
We know this is a common device God uses throughout the Bible.
Here are 10 examples from the Bible where people felt they were waiting on God:
- Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12-21)
Abraham and Sarah waited for decades for God to fulfill His promise of a child. Despite their old age, Isaac was born after years of waiting, teaching them faith in God’s timing. - Joseph (Genesis 37-50)
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and spent years in prison before God elevated him to a position of power in Egypt. He waited on God’s timing for his purpose to unfold. - Moses (Exodus 2-3; 7-14)
Moses waited 40 years in the desert after fleeing Egypt before God called him to deliver the Israelites. He then led them while waiting another 40 years for the Promised Land. - David (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 5)
After being anointed as king by Samuel, David waited many years before he actually became king. He lived on the run from King Saul, trusting God’s plan during his waiting. - Hannah (1 Samuel 1-2)
Hannah prayed and waited for a child while enduring years of barrenness and mockery from others. God eventually answered her prayers with Samuel’s birth. - Noah (Genesis 6-9)
Noah waited on God while building the ark, trusting in God’s promise of deliverance. After the flood, he waited for waters to recede before starting life anew. - Job (Job 1-42)
Job waited for answers and relief amid intense suffering. He didn’t understand why he was suffering but remained faithful while trusting in God’s justice and timing. - Israelites in Captivity (Jeremiah 29:10-14)
The Israelites waited 70 years in Babylonian exile before returning to Jerusalem. God promised them restoration but told them to wait patiently for His timing. - Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1)
Elizabeth and Zechariah waited until old age for their son John the Baptist’s birth. Their waiting was marked by faith even when Zechariah initially doubted. - The Disciples Waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8)
After Jesus’ ascension, disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. They waited in prayer and expectation before being empowered at Pentecost.
Each example demonstrates tension between human impatience and God’s perfect timing—illustrating how faith and trust are often tested during waiting seasons.
Maybe I shouldn’t mention this here.
2 Peter 3:8 NASB95
8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved; that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day.
II. Embracing the Mystery of God’s Ways
God’s Plan is Perfect Even When We Don’t Understand:
The story of Joseph shows us how we benefit from seeing how events conclude.
But have you taken time to recognize Joseph’s perspective?
God gives him a dream about his future:
Genesis 37:6–8 NASB95
6 He said to them, “Please listen to this dream which I have had;
7 For behold, we were binding sheaves in the field; lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
8 Then his brothers said to him, “Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and words.
His brothers wanted to kill him for it but Reuben convinced them instead to throw him into a well. The brothers then sold him as a slave. As a slave who rejected his master’s wife’s seduction attempt he was thrown into jail. While in jail he correctly interpreted dreams for both a baker and wine taster only to be forgotten about.
Years passed until Pharaoh had a dream none of his wise men could interpret; Joseph was summoned. Once he faithfully revealed Pharaoh’s dream’s truth he became Egypt’s second most powerful person at age thirty—having been seventeen when he had his first dream and sold into slavery.
Anyone feel that’s a route they would like to take to see their dreams fulfilled? Not my ideal way for certain nor do I think it was Joseph’s either but listen to what he had to say about his whole experience when talking with his brothers:
Genesis 50:20 NASB95
20 “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result—to preserve many people alive.”
God’s goal was saving many lives during famine using Joseph as His instrument for that purpose. When God gave Joseph that dream He left out many details; He didn’t tell him he would become a slave or be mistreated by his master or imprisoned or left there for over a decade before raising him up as Egypt’s second-in-command.
All God told Joseph was through those dreams—not many details there!
God’s ways are higher than our ways; He very seldom tells us all details—why? It gives space for faith to operate! If God told us everything there would be no need for faith!
The lesson here is to embrace God’s mysterious ways and trust He works all things for good:
Romans 8:28 NASB95
28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God—to those who are called according to His purpose.
Faith Requires Trust Beyond Understanding:
Trusting God means walking by faith—not by sight:
2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB95
7 For we walk by faith—not by sight—
The lesson here is letting go of control while trusting God.
III. Faith is Essential to Deepening Our Relationship with God
From Knowledge to Experience:
Faith moves us from knowing about God into experiencing His faithfulness firsthand:
Hebrews 11:6 NASB95
6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who seek Him.
Faith is essential!
Think about some challenges you’ve overcome in life; how has faith in God deepened your personal relationship with Him?
Trust is Built Through Trials:
We don’t like trials but unfortunately… trials are often training grounds for trust:
James 1:2–4 NASB95
2 Consider it all joy my brethren when encountering various trials—
3 Knowing that testing your faith produces endurance;
4 And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete—lacking nothing.
The lesson here: We need challenges seen as opportunities trusting God more deeply.
IV. Practical Steps Toward Trusting God’s Plan
Seek God Through Prayer and His Word:
Trust is cultivated through daily prayer while studying God’s promises within Scripture:
Philippians 4:6 NASB95
6 Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Make time daily praying while meditating on God’s Word especially during uncertain seasons.
Surrender Control:
Surrendering plans unto God remains key toward fully trusting Him:
Proverbs 16:9 NASB95
9 The mind of man plans his way—but Lord directs his steps.
Identify areas within life where letting go occurs while trusting God.
Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel:
Trust strengthens within community alongside other believers offering encouragement while providing wisdom:
Proverbs 11:14 NLT
14 Without wise leadership—a nation falls; there remains safety having many advisers.
Share how supportive communities helped remain faithful toward God’s plan.
V. The Blessing Found Within Trusting God’s Plan
God’s Peace Amidst Difficulty:
Trusting brings peace surpassing understanding—even during tough times:
Philippians 4:7 NASB95
7 And peace from God—which surpasses comprehension—will guard hearts/minds through Christ Jesus.
Lean into God’s peace facing uncertainties—you may not know how He’ll work it out…that’s okay! He does!
Don’t allow enemies robbing peace instead use opportunities deepening relationship with Him!
God’s Guidance Leads To Fulfillment:
When we trust/obey God directs paths fulfilling promises (Proverbs 3:6).
He won’t bypass trust elements since an important building block sculpting who He wants us becoming!
I love hearing stories revealing how guidance brought unexpected blessings—maybe because glimpses reveal God’s handiwork but also increases faith believing He’ll do same within our lives too!
Take time sharing stories with others—how listening turned into something amazing within life! Think about it; ask Holy Spirit reminding an example then share it!
Recap importance trusting God’s plan especially when unclear/different from ours! Challenge congregation identifying areas needing deeper trust while taking steps toward faith!
Pray giving hearts willing trusting Him—even when plans aren’t clear! Ask peace/faith/strength walking obedience trusting perfect timing!
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