The Unseen Hand: Trusting God’s Purpose in the Midst of Confusion

The Unseen Hand: Trusting God’s Purpose in the Midst of Confusion

Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’   John 13:7

This verse, spoken by Jesus to Peter during the foot-washing, offers a profound glimpse into the nature of divine wisdom and our human limitations. Peter, like us, was fixated on the immediate, tangible act. He saw his Master, the King he believed would usher in an earthly kingdom, performing the task of a servant.

It made no sense. It contradicted every expectation. And in that moment, Jesus gently, yet firmly, revealed a truth that transcends our immediate comprehension: God’s ways are often beyond our present understanding.

Think about the disciples. They had left everything to follow Jesus, anticipating a glorious, triumphant reign. Instead, they witnessed moments of profound humility, unexpected suffering, and teachings that often seemed paradoxical. The foot-washing was just one instance where their preconceived notions clashed with God’s unfolding plan.

Like them, we often find ourselves in “in-between” seasons—moments where the prayers seem unanswered, the path forward is obscured, and the very foundations of our understanding feel shaken. We pray for healing, yet the pain persists.

We plead for direction, yet the road remains foggy. We knock on doors, but they stay firmly shut. In these spaces, it’s easy to cry out, “God, where are You? What are You doing?”

Yet, this verse invites us to embrace a deeper dimension of faith: trust without understanding. It’s the courageous act of believing that a benevolent, all-knowing God is actively at work, even when the evidence of our senses suggests otherwise.

The delays, detours, and disappointments are not arbitrary occurrences or cosmic jokes; they are often divine setups, meticulously orchestrated by a God who sees the end from the beginning.

Every trial is a refiner’s fire, designed to purify and strengthen us. Every waiting season is a sculptor’s hand, shaping us into the image of Christ. And every heartbreak, no matter how excruciating, is being woven into a greater narrative of redemption, a testament to God’s ultimate victory.

The beauty of John 13:7 lies in its promise: “but later you will understand.” Hindsight is a powerful teacher. How often have we looked back at past seasons of confusion and suddenly seen the intricate tapestry God was weaving?

The closed door that led to a better opportunity, the unexpected illness that deepened our faith, the lost relationship that opened the door to true self-discovery. In the fullness of time, God’s wisdom is revealed, and we recognize that He was indeed working all along, orchestrating every detail for our ultimate good and His glory.

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility, acknowledging that Your ways are higher than our ways, and Your thoughts deeper than our thoughts. There are moments, Lord, when life simply doesn’t make sense. We face uncertainties, experience pain, and encounter closed doors that leave us questioning Your plan. In those times of confusion, help us to remember the words of Jesus: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Grant us the grace to trust Your unseen hand, to lean into Your presence even when we cannot perceive Your purpose. Strengthen our faith to believe that every trial is refining us, every waiting season is shaping us, and every heartbreak is being woven into a greater story of Your redemption. May we fix our eyes on Jesus, our ultimate Answer, knowing that one day, in the fullness of Your glory, we will look back and see that You were working all along. Amen.

Faith is not believing that God can. It is believing that God will.

What situation in your life right now requires this kind of trust without understanding? How have past seasons of confusion revealed God’s wisdom in hindsight for you?

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼