Trusting God During Life’s Transitions

Victoria Olukanni

March, 2025

Introduction

Life is full of transitions; some expected, others catching us off guard. Whether it’s starting a new job, adjusting to marriage, raising children, moving to a new city, or even facing unexpected loss, transitions have a way of stirring up uncertainty and fear. As Christians, these changes can test our faith and challenge our sense of stability. The truth is, transitions often pull us out of our comfort zones and push us into uncharted territory where we have no choice but to trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  You may not have all the answers while trusting God during transitions, but you know the One who holds the answers. When life shifts beneath our feet, our faith can remain anchored in the unchanging character of God.

Acknowledge Your Uncertainty but Trust God’s Plan

Transitions often bring feelings of uncertainty and anxiety because they take us out of familiar territory and place us in situations where the outcome is unknown. Acknowledging your uncertainty is not a sign of weakness but rather a step toward trusting God’s plan. It’s human to feel overwhelmed when life shifts unexpectedly; a job loss, a health crisis, a new season of parenting, or a change in relationships can leave you feeling lost.

However, God calls you to trust Him even when you don’t understand the full picture. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Ruth’s story is a powerful example of this kind of trust. After losing her husband, she faced the uncertainty of leaving her homeland and starting a new life with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth didn’t know what lay ahead, but she chose to trust God’s plan and follow Naomi to Bethlehem.

Her faithfulness led to redemption through her marriage to Boaz, and she ultimately became part of the lineage of Jesus (Ruth 1-4). Trusting God’s plan requires letting go of the need to figure everything out and believing that He is working behind the scenes for your good. Even when the road ahead seems unclear, you can rest in the truth that God sees the bigger picture and will lead you in the right direction.

Let Go of Control and Surrender to God

Letting go of control and surrendering to God can be one of the hardest yet most freeing steps during life’s transitions. As humans, we often cling to the illusion of control, thinking that we must manage every aspect of our lives to avoid uncertainty or failure. However, when we hold too tightly to control, we can become overwhelmed, anxious, and frustrated, especially during transitions. Surrendering to God means recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways, and His plans for us are always for our good (Isaiah 55:9).

This does not mean we sit back passively but that we trust God’s timing, guidance, and sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. Jesus modeled surrender when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

In a time of deep emotional turmoil, He fully trusted the Father’s plan, even though it meant walking through suffering. When we surrender to God, we acknowledge that we are not the ultimate source of strength and control, He is. The act of letting go can bring peace, knowing that we are not alone in navigating our transitions.

It is a faith-filled choice to release our desires, fears, and uncertainties into God’s hands, trusting that He will lead us to what is best, even when we don’t fully understand the path. Surrendering control doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges, but it does mean you will have the strength and peace to face them with God by your side.

Find Strength and Peace in God’s Word

During life’s transitions, when uncertainty and fear can easily overwhelm us, finding strength and peace in God’s Word becomes essential. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but a living and powerful source of encouragement, guidance, and comfort. God’s Word reminds us that He is constant, unchanging, and always present, no matter what transitions we face. In moments of change, His promises provide us with the assurance that He is with us and will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This verse highlights the guidance we receive from Scripture, especially when the road ahead seems unclear. God’s Word has the power to calm our anxious hearts and offer direction when we feel lost. Meditating on verses such as Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages us to present our worries to God through prayer, can replace anxiety with peace that transcends our understanding. When we feel uncertain, the peace that comes from God’s Word isn’t just about comforting us—it also strengthens our faith, reminding us that God is sovereign and His plans for us are good.

During transitions, it’s easy to focus on the unknowns, but when we center ourselves in Scripture, we remember that God is bigger than any change or challenge. Each promise in His Word serves as a foundation of strength and peace, giving us the courage to move forward with confidence, even in uncertain times.

Surround Yourself with Godly Support

Surrounding yourself with godly support is crucial during life’s transitions, as the people you choose to walk alongside you can either lift you up or weigh you down. In moments of change, it’s easy to become isolated or overwhelmed by your own thoughts, but having a strong community of believers can provide encouragement, wisdom, and prayer when you need it most.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, it says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” This highlights the significance of having others who can support you when you stumble or feel discouraged.

Godly support comes from people who are rooted in Christ and can offer both practical and spiritual guidance. When facing transitions, friends and mentors who are grounded in the Word of God can help you gain perspective, offer prayers of intercession, and remind you of God’s promises when you feel weary.

The Apostle Paul’s relationship with his fellow believers is a great example. He often relied on his Christian community for encouragement and prayer, even during his own trials (Philippians 1:19). Similarly, as you navigate your transitions, leaning on people who share your faith can bring peace and reassurance. They can help carry your burdens, hold you accountable, and be a constant reminder that you are not alone. By surrounding yourself with godly support, you strengthen your trust in God’s plan, knowing He uses the people around you to help you grow and persevere through life’s transitions.

Remember God’s Faithfulness in Past Transitions

Remembering God’s faithfulness in past transitions can be a powerful source of strength and encouragement when facing new challenges. It is easy to become consumed by the uncertainty of the present or future, but taking time to reflect on how God has faithfully carried you through past seasons can deepen your trust in His ability to guide you through your current circumstances.

The Bible frequently encourages us to remember and recount the ways God has worked in our lives. In Psalm 77:11-12, the psalmist says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” This passage shows the importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness as a way to stir up hope for the future.

In your own life, you may have experienced times of uncertainty, difficulty, or change where God showed up in unexpected and amazing ways. Whether it was a financial challenge, a move, a loss, or a career change, reflecting on how God provided for you, protected you, or gave you peace during those times can remind you that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Just as He was with you then, He is with you now, and His promises still stand. Recalling God’s faithfulness allows you to build a history of trust with Him, which strengthens your confidence that He will continue to be faithful in future transitions. By focusing on His past actions in your life, you can shift your perspective from fear and doubt to faith and hope, knowing that God is always with you, guiding you through every change.

Conclusion

Transitions are rarely easy, but they provide an opportunity to deepen your trust in God. While the path may seem uncertain, God’s guidance and presence remain constant. Trusting God during life’s transitions is about surrendering control, standing on His Word, and leaning into His faithfulness. Just as He led Ruth, Abraham, Joshua, and countless others through seasons of change, He will faithfully guide you through yours. Let your confidence rest not in the stability of your circumstances but in the unchanging nature of your God. Even when you can’t see the way forward, you can trust that God is already there, preparing a path for you.