Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (NIV).
When life is messy, it often feels like God is distant, nowhere to be found.
Maybe you’ve felt that way. You struggled with work, the kids, your marriage, or finances, and although you prayed for relief, you can’t seem to see God moving.
Remember, just because you can’t see Him doesn’t mean God isn’t there or that He’s not active in your life. Sometimes, God allows difficulties to shape and prepare you for a greater purpose. Consider the story of Joseph (Genesis 37–50).
At age 17, Joseph was sold into slavery by jealous brothers. He served faithfully and with integrity in Potiphar’s house in Egypt and was placed in charge of the entire household. Despite gaining Potiphar’s full trust, false accusations by Potiphar’s wife landed Joseph in prison. Once again, he excelled and gained the favor of the warden. While in prison, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two fellow prisoners. When Pharaoh was later troubled by dreams no one could explain, Joseph was brought before him. After interpreting the dreams, Joseph was promoted from prisoner to second in command of Egypt. There, he oversaw preparations for the seven years of abundance and the seven years of famine God had revealed through the dreams.
Twenty-two years passed from the time Joseph was sold into slavery until his brothers arrived in Egypt. Of those years, Joseph spent 13 years as a slave or in prison. Imagine how difficult it must have been to see God at work during those years!
When the famine reached Canaan, Joseph’s brothers made the long journey to Egypt to purchase food. They were astonished to discover that the brother they had sold into slavery was now in charge of Egypt’s food supply.
Service: In Potiphar’s house, Joseph was no longer the favorite son; he was a lowly slave. But through these circumstances, Joseph learned administrative and management skills.
Humility: As a slave, Joseph had to submit to a master in faithful service.
Empathy: Years in prison because of betrayal and injustice left Joseph with empathy for those who suffered.
Reliance on God: When interpreting the dreams of his cell mates, as well as Pharaoh, Joseph gave all praise to God.
Stewardship/Economics: Joseph’s various roles as a slave and prisoner equipped him to manage the food supply of an empire during a crisis.
Grace: When Joseph realized his brothers’ genuine remorse, he was able to offer full forgiveness.
Compassion and mercy: Through years of suffering, Joseph learned to see God’s providence rather than seek revenge. He was able to say to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
When you focus on the situation at hand rather than God’s promises, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and begin to doubt God’s faithfulness. You need constant reminders that God always provides for His people. Read stories of Bible greats like Joseph, Moses, and Job for encouragement. Memorize Bible verses that remind you of God’s faithfulness.
Hebrews 12:2: “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Psalm 121:1–2: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Uncertain times can breed faith or doubt and fear. When you trust that God’s plan is best, you can leave worry behind. You may not know what the outcome will be, but you can trust that it is good.
Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Don’t sit idly by while waiting for God’s timing. Continue working and preparing for the future as you trust Him.
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Ecclesiastes 11:6: “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
You are much more likely to see God’s hand if you expect Him to act. This will take perseverance in times when God feels distant, but you certainly won’t see Him if you aren’t looking!
Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 5:3: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Isaiah 30:18: “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
Even in uncomfortable situations, give thanks for all God has given you. If you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and clothes for your body, you are blessed more than millions around the world. Count your blessings!
Luke 12:24: “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Psalm 23:1–2: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18: “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Joseph couldn’t see what God was doing while he was serving as a slave or sitting in a prison cell. Yet every difficult season was preparing him for the moment God had already planned.
The same is true for you and me.
When you can’t see God at work, it doesn’t mean He is absent. He may be shaping your character, strengthening your faith, opening a door you cannot yet see, or preparing you for a purpose you have not yet imagined.
Jesus reminded us, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17).
Keep your eyes on Him. Trust His plan. Continue doing what you know is right. Wait expectantly and thank Him for His provision along the way.
One day, you may look back and discover God was never distant; He was working behind the scenes all along.
