When I Don’t Understand, But God!

irishgambito
2 days ago
5 min read

Have you ever been in a situation that you don't understand why you're there?

A person in a hat sits on a rocky cliff, gazing at a serene sunset over rolling hills and a river. The sky is vibrant with orange hues. — Amid the expansive mountain scenery, a woman sits alone, reflecting on her life's path as the sun descends beyond the horizon.

Maybe everything seemed to be going well, and then suddenly life took a turn you didn’t expect. The job you prayed for didn’t last. The relationship you cherished fell apart. The door you thought God opened slammed shut. In those moments, confusion and disappointment can settle in like a heavy fog. You’re left asking, “Why, Lord? Why am I here?”

You try to make sense of it. You pray. You search your heart. And yet… nothing is clear. Life hands you a circumstance that doesn’t add up, and you’re left wondering, “God, why would You place me here?”

I’ve lived that question.

I’ve been there too—feeling lost, unsure, a bit confused, and frustrated. When God opened the door for me to work as a Crisis Intervention Worker at the Women’s Shelter, I should have felt excited and honored. But instead, I felt unqualified and uncertain. I thought to myself, “Why me? I don’t have formal training in this field. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I’m not enough for these hurting women?”

But then God whispered truth to my heart.

“But God.”

Those two words have the power to break fear, shift perspective, and bring light into confusion.

But God—He Knew All Along

He gently reminded me of my own journey—of the years I spent in abusive relationships. The pain I carried. The times I felt trapped, voiceless, and afraid. In those moments of my past, I couldn’t see beyond my suffering. I never imagined anything redemptive could come from such heartbreak.

But God did.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but He was preparing me. My pain was not wasted. God was shaping me in the dark so I could be a light to others. Now, when I sit across from a woman who's just escaped a dangerous situation, I don’t have to rely on theory or textbook answers. I can meet her in her pain—because I’ve been there.

I know what it feels like to question your worth. I know the fear of starting over. I know the shame that tries to cling like a shadow. But I also know the God who delivers, redeems, and restores.

And now I get to share that hope.

When I don’t understand what’s happening, God still understands. When I don't know what to do next, God already has a plan. When my heart is broken, God is near to the brokenhearted. When I feel like giving up, God strengthens me.

The Bible is full of moments when things didn’t make sense to the people living them—but God showed up in miraculous, purposeful ways.

Joseph was thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and imprisoned. It didn’t make sense. But God was positioning him to save a nation.
Moses felt unqualified to lead. But God equipped him for the task.
Ruth lost everything. But God redeemed her story through Boaz.
Jesus was crucified. His followers were devastated. But God raised Him from the dead.

Each story teaches us that God’s plan is not limited by our understanding. We see a piece of the puzzle, but He sees the whole picture.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) reminds us: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Even when life doesn’t make sense—especially when it really doesn’t—God is still working, still good, still faithful.

We trust.

We wait.

We lean in instead of pulling away.

We say, “Lord, I don’t get this—but I know You do.”

And we let our hearts rest in the truth that no situation is beyond His control or outside His care.

Silhouette of a person with arms raised at sunset in a desert, against a pink and purple sky. Airy and serene atmosphere.

Devotional Reflection

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

This verse speaks directly to the heart of redemption. Joseph, like many of us, was thrown into situations that made no sense. He was betrayed, mistreated, forgotten. But God....God had a purpose. God used the broken pieces of his story to position him to save others. He does the same with us.

When you’re in a place that feels too big for you, too painful, or simply confusing—pause and remember: God does not waste pain. He transforms it. He will take your story, your scars, your setbacks, and use them to encourage, empower, and heal others.

A Word of Encouragement

I’ve walked through many situations where I didn’t understand why God placed me there. In those moments, I wrestled with doubt and asked questions that seemed to have no answers. But as time passed—sometimes months, sometimes years—God always revealed His purpose. He showed me how every painful step and confusing turn was a piece of the puzzle He was putting together for my good.

Each time, I’m left amazed by how He works far beyond my understanding. His timing is perfect. His ways are higher. And His plans are always filled with purpose.

So if you’re in a season that doesn’t make sense, hold on. Keep trusting. Your “But God” moment is coming—and when it does, it will all make sense in the light of His grace.

If you’re walking through a season that doesn’t make sense—whether it’s hardship, loss, or an unexpected assignment—don’t let doubt win. You may not feel ready or equipped, but God’s calling is not based on your qualifications—it’s rooted in His purpose.

Let these words sink into your soul today:

When you feel unworthy—But God says you are chosen.
When you feel broken—But God says you are being healed.
When you feel unsure—But God says He will guide your every step.

You’re not alone. He is with you. And one day, you’ll look back and see that this very season—yes, the one you didn’t understand—was part of His plan all along.

Devotional Prayer

Lord, there are times when I don’t understand where You’ve placed me or why I’ve walked through certain trials. But I choose to trust that You see the bigger picture. Thank You for redeeming the painful parts of my past and using them to bring hope to others. Give me strength to stand in places that stretch me and grace to love those who need to know they’re not alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.