When Following God Doesn’t Make Sense

We’ve all heard the phrase, “God is good all the time. And all the time, God is good.” It rolls off the tongue so easily. But if we’re honest, there are seasons when those words feel hard to believe. When life falls apart, when prayers seem unanswered, when blessings seem wrapped in burdens—is God still good then?

The truth is, God’s goodness isn’t confined to our circumstances. It’s part of His very nature. Yet walking with Him means we’ll face moments that don’t make sense. The Bible shows us that even Jesus experienced this tension.

Called, Tested, and Transformed

After His baptism, when God declared from heaven, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), we might expect Jesus to begin His ministry in triumph. Instead, He was immediately led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested (Matthew 4:1).

That doesn’t make sense, does it? Why would God allow His beloved Son to be led into hardship? Yet in that wilderness, Jesus modeled what it means to trust the Father fully. Discipleship often begins the same way: God calls us, He transforms us, and then He invites us into His mission. But transformation rarely comes without testing.

Every Blessing Comes with a Test

Think about it:

• Marriage is a blessing, yet it tests our patience and selflessness.

• Children are a blessing, yet they stretch our hearts and faith daily.

• Jobs, homes, education—even the church itself—bring joy, but also reveal our character through challenges.

Every blessing carries responsibility, and often testing. This isn’t because God delights in hardship, but because He refines us through it. James reminds us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2–3).

Discipleship: Head, Heart, and Hands

So what does it mean to truly follow Jesus? Scripture shows us three things:

1. Answering the Call (Head) – Like the first disciples on the shores of Galilee (Matthew 4:18–20), we are invited to leave behind old ways and follow Him. Discipleship begins with a conscious decision.

2. Being Transformed (Heart) – Jesus promises, “I will make you fishers of people.” Transformation isn’t something we do ourselves—it’s the Spirit reshaping us into Christ’s likeness (Romans 12:2).

3. Joining the Mission (Hands) – Disciples don’t just believe; they roll up their sleeves. They love, serve, and share Jesus with the world. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2).

   
   

Holding On When It’s Hard

Life will bring seasons that test us. We’ll wonder why God allows certain hardships. We’ll face heartbreak, setbacks, and unanswered questions. Yet in those moments, we can cling to the truth that God is still at work—even when we can’t see the full picture.

As Hebrews 3:13 encourages: “But encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” When we gather in worship, in small groups, and in fellowship, we remind each other of what God is doing. We remind each other that His goodness has never failed.

A Final Word

Discipleship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the One who does. It’s about believing that God’s goodness runs deeper than our circumstances. And it’s about holding on when the path doesn’t make sense—because He is still working, still calling, still transforming.

So today, ask yourself: What might God be up to in my life right now? You may not see it yet, but you can trust this—He is good, all the time.

Call to Action - If you’re searching for clarity or strength in your walk with Jesus, lean into community. Don’t walk alone. Connect with others who will encourage you, pray with you, and remind you of God’s goodness. And remember—He is always up to something greater than we can imagine.