Trusting God's Plan in the Difficult Seasons - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 21, 2026
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” - Proverbs 3:5-6
Recently, I walked into a season that I couldn’t understand. My business had dried up financially, with just a few clients. I wasn’t feeling inspired to create content for my social media platforms. Quite frankly, I was still healing from a series of tests and trials that hit my life out of nowhere. One day, I found myself saying to God with tears in my eyes, “Lord, I don’t understand this season.” His immediate response was simple, “Don’t lean on your own understanding. Just trust Me.”
I knew in that moment that it was a comforting word from heaven in a difficult season. It’s totally okay to be honest with God. We can ask questions. We can cry. We can scream into a pillow. We can wonder, “What in the world is happening right now?”
When it came to my finances, I found myself saying, “My heart is bigger than my resources, God.” I have a heart to help so many women around the world live a life pleasing unto the Lord, while equipping them to do what they are called to do, all as we await the return of Jesus Christ. And it takes provision to get a lot of things done. Again, the Lord gently pointed me back to His Word–the book of Nehemiah.
He had such a burden to help his people by rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. He cried. He fasted. He prayed. I would say his heart was bigger than his resources, too, because at the time, he was the King’s cupbearer. To accomplish such a task, he would need God to provide every resource.
Looking at that story, I would imagine God was probably whispering to Nehemiah’s heart the same words He spoke to me, “Don’t lean on your own understanding. Just trust me.” I don’t know where you are today. Maybe you’re going through a difficult season. Maybe your marriage is struggling. Maybe your children are acting up. Maybe your finances are low. Maybe you’re waiting on God to move miraculously for a healing. Wherever you are in this season of life, I want to encourage you with these words, “Don’t lean on your understanding. Trust God.”
- He knows exactly where you are.
- He sees you.
- He loves you.
- He will never abandon you.
- And He cares about all that concerns you.
- Trust Him.
Through that difficult season, I learned to trust God more deeply when I didn’t understand what He was allowing to happen in my life. Though it wasn’t easy, I relied on His Word and the precious Holy Spirit for wisdom, direction, and strength to endure. What comforted me was knowing that seasons do change. No season stays the same. There is always an expected end.
What I can say is that God provided. He had a master plan. He provided the finances in ways unimaginable. He provided fresh inspiration to create content for the audience He entrusted to me. And He provided comfort for my hurting heart. I believe He will do the same for you.
God has a plan. We may not always understand what He’s doing, but we can trust that He is with us as we go through difficult seasons of life. We can also trust His word, which assures us that He will work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). And we can rely on His Holy Spirit to lead, encourage, and comfort us.
Let’s pray ...
Father,
In the name of Jesus, thank You for providing for me in a difficult season. I am praying for this dear reader right now. I pray that You will hear her heart cry during this challenging time. Help her to trust You even when she doesn’t understand. Help her to look back on biblical stories where You showed up time and time again for Your children and servants.
I pray those stories and Your timeless word will encourage her. I also pray that she will continue trusting You even when she can’t see beyond her tears. That she will continue relying on You for provision. You know her thoughts. You know her fears and concerns. I pray that You will meet her right where she is in this season, where she knows undeniably that You love and care for her, and that You are working all things out for the good.
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jacob Wackerhausen
Click here to see the full list of Inside Out with Courtnaye episodes!
Related Resource: The Blind Spots Hurting Your Relationships
In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with licensed professional counselor and bestselling author Debra Fileta for an honest and insightful conversation about the relationship blind spots many of us don’t realize we have. Together, they explore how emotional patterns, past wounds, and unrecognized habits can quietly shape the way we connect with others.
Debra shares practical wisdom on how to grow in self-awareness, strengthen communication, and take ownership of the ways we impact the people we love. Whether you’re dating, married, leading others, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this episode offers hope-filled tools to help you break unhealthy cycles and build deeper connection.
If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel harder than they should—or how to become a healthier version of yourself—this conversation is for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
