“Trusting God When You Don’t Understand: The Purpose of Patience”
Struggling to Trust God? Discover the True Purpose of Patience
I saw something the other day that said, “Understanding is a sign of patience.” And immediately, I thought, “Nope, that’s not quite it.” Because if we look at the Word of God, nowhere does it say we have to understand in order to be patient.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and that means it’s something God grows in us—it’s not dependent on how much we know or comprehend.
Think about it. We’re called to be patient in situations where we don’t have answers, with people who don’t make sense to us, and in seasons where we have no clue what God is doing. If patience required understanding, most of us would fail the test every time.
Patience Shows Up in Different Ways
Patience is one of those things we all struggle with, but it doesn’t always look the same. Some people wrestle with:
- Patience in suffering: Maybe you’ve been dealing with a difficult season—illness, financial struggles, or emotional pain—and you’re wondering, How long will this last?
- Patience with people: Perhaps you’re trying to be patient with a spouse, co-worker, friend, or even yourself, but the frustration is real.
- Patience in waiting for God’s promises: Maybe you’re trusting God for marriage, a breakthrough, or direction in life, but nothing seems to be moving.
No matter what area patience is being tested in, one thing remains true: patience isn’t about knowing the details—it’s about trusting the One who does.
Patience Is an Intentional Act of Trust
So, if patience isn’t about understanding, what is it? It’s an intentional act of trust. And not trust in people—because let’s be real, you can be patient with someone and not trust them at all. It’s about trusting God.
- Trusting that He sees what we can’t.
- Trusting that His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
- Trusting that He is working, even when we don’t see evidence of it.
A Personal Story of Waiting Without Understanding
I remember a season when I desperately wanted answers. I thought, “If I could just understand what’s happening, then I could be at peace.” But God was teaching me that peace doesn’t come from understanding—it comes from trusting Him.
During my divorce, I struggled with unanswered questions. Why did this happen? What could I have done differently? How will I move forward? The need to understand became an exhausting loop in my mind. But one day, in the stillness, God reminded me that understanding wasn’t my job—surrender was.
I had to acknowledge that I didn’t have control over every outcome. I had to turn inward and turn upward, recognizing that my security wasn’t in knowing the details but in trusting the One who did. I had to own my story, embracing the reality that healing doesn’t come from having all the answers but from leaning into God. And I had to move forward, choosing to walk in faith, even when the path ahead was unclear.
The A.T.O.M. Principle and Patience
How does the A.T.O.M. Principle apply to patience?
- Acknowledge & Assess—Recognize that patience isn’t about knowing all the answers; it’s about surrendering control to God.
- Turn Inward & Turn Upward—Look within to recognize where impatience is rooted in fear or doubt, and turn to God for strength.
- Own Your Story—Accept that waiting is part of your journey, but it doesn’t mean you’re stagnant. Growth happens in the waiting.
- Move Forward—Take steps of faith, even when you don’t see the full picture, trusting that God is leading you.
Biblical Example: Joseph’s Patience in the Waiting
One of the most powerful examples of patience in the Bible is Joseph (Genesis 37-50).
God gave Joseph a dream of leadership, but instead of stepping into that promise immediately, he was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. He spent years in difficult places before finally walking into his destiny.
But here’s the thing—Joseph didn’t waste the waiting. He remained faithful wherever he was, whether serving in Potiphar’s house or leading in prison. His patience wasn’t passive; it was an act of trust.
And when the time was right, God elevated him.
If Joseph had demanded to understand everything before trusting God, he would have given up. But he remained patient, and God’s plan unfolded in a way that was beyond anything he could have imagined.
Patience Is About Surrender, Not Just Endurance
When we shift our mindset from “I need to understand to be patient” to “I need to trust to be patient,” we start to walk in true spiritual maturity.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7)
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
If we truly believe that God is in control, then patience isn’t about waiting for clarity—it’s about waiting well. It’s about keeping our eyes on Him and trusting that He’s handling the things we can’t see.
For the One Who Feels Stuck in the Waiting
Let’s be real—trusting God in the waiting isn’t easy. There were times I cried out, “God, do You even see me?” If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth: our emotions don’t change God’s faithfulness. He sees, He cares, and He is working—even when we can’t see it.
So, let me ask you:
- Have you ever struggled with patience because you were waiting to understand?
- How has God challenged you to trust instead?
A’s Love Note:
Patience isn’t passive—it’s an active trust in God’s timing. Today, take a moment to reflect:
🔹 What’s one area where you’ve been waiting for understanding?
🔹 Instead of seeking answers, ask God to give you peace in the waiting.
Pray this simple prayer:
“Lord, help me trust You in the waiting, even when I don’t understand. Strengthen my faith and help me to walk in peace, knowing You are working behind the scenes. Amen.”
Let’s talk about it in the comments. How is God stretching your patience in this season?
