By Dr. Floyd Godfrey

Life brings seasons of both joy and hardship, and during times of struggle, our faith is often put to the test. It is in these moments that learning to trust God becomes not only necessary but transformational. The journey of faith requires us to shift from a mindset of self-reliance to one of full dependence on the Lord. This can be challenging, especially when the trials we face seem insurmountable. However, as we press into God's promises, we begin to understand that His strength is most evident in our weakness.

Redefining Maturity Through Dependence

In a world that prizes independence, Christians are invited into a paradoxical kind of growth. As Norton (2025) puts it, "We are raised to become independent and self-reliant only to realize that maturity means growing to become totally dependent on Heavenly Father" (p. 44). This truth reframes our understanding of what it means to grow spiritually. While the world teaches us to "stand on our own two feet," Scripture calls us to lean not on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-6). Maturity in Christ looks like surrender, not control. It means resting in God's ability rather than striving in our own.

Trusting the Infinite Capabilities of God

When we pray during seasons of pain or confusion, we are not speaking into the void. We are addressing the living God whose power and wisdom are limitless. Norton (2025) reminds us, "But the more we rely on Him the more capable we find Him to be. In praying to our Heavenly Father, remember we are praying to the one whose capabilities are infinite and without limit" (p. 44). Prayer is not a last resort; it is our first and best response. The more we lean into the discipline of prayer, the more our hearts are drawn into God’s presence, where peace replaces anxiety and trust replaces fear.

When It Feels Like God Is Silent

Perhaps one of the hardest challenges is when it seems like God is distant or unresponsive during our suffering. Norton (2025) reflects, "Our crisis comes, as with the disciples, when the storms of life are raging around us and we perceive that Jesus is asleep at the helm" (p. 44). This moment is familiar to many believers. Just as the disciples feared for their lives during the storm (Mark 4:35-41), we too can feel abandoned in our time of need. Yet, Jesus was never out of control. He calmed the sea with a word and questioned their lack of faith. Our perception of silence does not mean the absence of care or power. God’s timing and purposes are often hidden, but they are never absent.

Transformation Over Quick Solutions

It is natural to desire immediate relief from pain. But God's priority is not always to calm the storm; often, His aim is to transform us through it. Norton (2025) notes, "His capability is beyond anything we could imagine and yet He is more interested in transforming us than calming the tempest that has us spun up in a tizzy" (p. 45). God uses trials as refining tools. Romans 5:3-4 tells us that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Rather than asking only for escape, we can ask for endurance, faith, and growth. Our hardships, when submitted to God, become the soil where deep roots of trust can grow.

God’s Power Is Greater Than Our Inability

Many of us struggle with ongoing weaknesses, habits, or character flaws we wish we could change. The frustration of feeling stuck can be overwhelming. But here again, God meets us with grace and strength. Norton (2025) writes, "Inability to change. How we want to be different, but whatever stubborn trait or habit, it is no match for His mighty power" (p. 45). Nothing in our lives is beyond God’s ability to redeem. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Transformation may not happen overnight, but it is certain when we remain surrendered to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

Learning to trust God when we are struggling is not a one-time decision; it is a continual act of surrender and faith. Whether the storm is calmed or allowed to rage, we can rest in the assurance that our Heavenly Father is both capable and compassionate. He sees us, knows us, and is actively working in us even when we don’t feel it. By choosing dependence on God, we discover not only peace but transformation.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References

Norton, G. (2025). Making His prayer your prayer. Hyperspace Chief Publications.