Life is full of uncertainties, ups and downs and challenges. Things can go wrong and feel out of our control at any time. When these things happen, our tendency is to want to control the situation. But, unfortunately, that’s not really possible. Rather, in those times, we are called to put our faith and trust in God.
This is one of the major themes in the newest Great American Original movie, "The Engagement Plan." When Wade’s plans for a romantic weekend proposal are thwarted, he has to prove himself as he “meets the parents” on the family farm to earn Kayla’s hand in marriage, while learning to trust God.
But we know, like Wade learns, that trusting in God's plan is not always easy to do! Let’s look at some Bible verses about trusting in God’s plan and prayers we can lift up in those moments of difficulty.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
In "The Engagement Plan," Kayla and her family quote this Bible verse about trusting in God's plan quite often. They've learned to rely on God in all circumstances, and look to Him for guidance when making big life decisions. It's a lesson Wade learns upon he meets Kayla's family. As a type A personality, Wade plans out every aspect of his life in much detail whereas his girlfriend Kayla has always been a free spirit and goes where the Lord guides her. Wade learns that not everything is in our control but we must give God space to direct our path.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Probably one of the most popular scripture verses on trusting in God’s plan, Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) can be one of great comfort to those who find themselves in unexpected situations. This verse calls for us to have hope and try to find where God is working at that certain point in our lives. We need to lay our own plans down and give control of them to God so that we can be sure to follow His will for our lives.
In “Sun Moon,” Kelsey never thought she’d find herself being left at the altar. With her future now a giant unknown, she doesn’t know what God’s plan for her life is in all of this. She takes a leap of faith by taking a teaching job in Taiwan. Her adventures allow her to find who God wants her to be and how He loves us in the midst of challenges.
Read Also: ‘God Had a Plan for Me’: ‘Sun Moon’ & 'Into the Woods' Star Talks Learning to Trust God’s Timing
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When we encounter unexpected challenges or situations, it’s hard for us to feel peace and hope. That’s when God calls us to put our faith and trust in Him - to lay down our fears at the foot of the cross and surrender our lives to Him.
In “Just in Time,” Hannah likes to be in control in all areas of her life. But when tensions in her marriage arise and things go wrong at the greenhouse she owns, she feels lost and overwhelmed. Unsure where to turn, she tries to find any answers she can to her problems. It isn’t until she learns to surrender her fears to God that she is able to feel peace and hope that things will work out in His timing.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It isn’t easy to not be anxious when challenges arise in our lives. But this scripture on trusting God’s plan say in those moments of unrest, we must pray to God and make known the desires of our heart. Only peace in Jesus Christ is what will help strengthen us to overcome the toughest of challenges.
In “Finding Faith,” Victoria has always had a strong and close relationship with God; her faith has never wavered. But when she encounters several speed bumps at once, she’s unsure where God is in her life anymore. She goes to the cross and lays down her worries at His feet, asking Him to show her the way and give her strength. Once she fully releases her worries, she experiences the peace of God once again in her heart.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
When things don’t go the way we want them to, it’s hard for us to see the reason why things happened the way they did. But it’s in these moments that we have to give thanks to God for what we do have, and thank Him for things not being worse than they are. We also have to trust that God will work good through our hardships. God allows suffering so that we can use it as a chance to draw closer to Him.
In “The Blind,” inspired by Phil Robertson’s true transformation, Phil seeks fulfillment through worldly desires. His behavior leads to him losing his family, his wife and his children. It’s not until he’s at the lowest point he has ever felt that he feels the need to make a change. He says, “You’ve got to come to the end of yourself to find the beginning of God.” Phil recognizes that God allowed his suffering to take place in order for him to find God.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily stresses of life. But when we feel like life and its challenges overwhelm us, we can have faith in knowing that Christ never changes. He will be our strength and refuge always. It’s in those moments of worry that we should lift up a word of thanks and hope in Christ.
In “A Thousand Tomorrows,” though Ali faces a life-threatening illness, she never gives up her hope and peace that Christ is working through her life. She knows that no matter the outcome and how long God gives her on this side of heaven, He is her foundation and strength through it all.
Now that we’ve seen some Bible verses that can comfort us in trusting in God’s plan, how can we pray for that trust and surrender? Let’s look at some prayers that ask for just that.
This prayer is a great one for when we feel like we’re facing the impossible and aren’t sure how we’ll be able to overcome the challenges that lie ahead of us.
"Lord, I thank You that You are the God of the impossible. You can do anything. I want to trust in Your ability and not my own. Teach me to see difficulties in my life from Your perspective. Help me to focus on You and Your power. Today I bring before You this difficulty in my life [Name a hard situation you are right now facing]. Help me not to fear but to trust You in this situation. I declare my faith in Your ability to fulfill Your promises to me. I have nothing to fear with You on my side. I will be strong and courageous even in hard times. I will not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9). You will never leave me or forsake me (Joshua 1:5). I do not need to figure everything out. You already know the best plan for my life. I will not try any man-made method to do only what You can do. Show me Your supernatural power. Teach me how to walk by faith and pray breakthrough prayers. I choose to have faith in Your ability to break through every obstacle in my life. Amen."
If you’re having difficulty surrendering control to God’s will, this prayer will help you lay it all down at the foot of the cross.
Father God, We know that part of trusting You requires submitting ourselves before You in surrender. We recall the words of Psalm 143:8-10, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Lord, we know that as much as we have ideas of how something ought to go, ultimately, You know the correct path. Father, teach our hearts to do Your Will and allow us to entrust our hearts with You, and You alone. Lord, help us surrender to You willingly so that we may experience the abundance of Your plans and goodness. Even if it does not look like it in this very moment, remind our hearts that You are good and Your Will is correct for our lives and the ultimate plan of the Kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
In those times that we’re facing challenges and difficulties, our faith can waver and unbelief can start creeping in. In those times, this prayer can be a helpful reminder to stand firm in our faith.
Father God, Help us in our unbelief. Mark 9:24 shares the story of the father standing before Your Son, Jesus, recognizing the need for help in his unbelief, "The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Lord, help us in this same heart situation. As much as we try to stand firm in the faith, the Enemy seeks to find the holes to sneak in with doubt, fear, or unbelief. Lord, we are weak, but in You, we are strong. Cover the places in our hearts where we are weak in faith, and embolden us that we find the source of our strength in You and not in what we can see, touch, or feel. Lord, we don't want to live in the fruitless place of unbelief, so we come before You to ask for Your help in these tender places. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Giving gratitude in the hard times reminds us that our challenges don’t define us. When we give gratitude, we’re able to remember how much good God has given to us amongst our suffering.
Jesus, I trust in you. Thank you for all the good you have given me in my life, including [name a few things you’re thankful for, including family, friends, shelter, etc]. I know that everything that is going on in my life you are working for my good. Guide me so that I can produce fruit through all these challenges in my life and that my relationship with You is strengthened through it all. Amen.
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