When Faith Still Hurts - April 24, 2025
Scripture:
”And we know that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
—Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Devotional:
Sometimes the hardest part of faith is not just believing in God’s power, but trusting in His plan when the outcome contradicts what you prayed for. It’s easy to shout “God is good!” when things go your way. But what about when they don’t? What about when the doors stay shut, the test results aren’t what you hoped for, or the breakthrough you believed for doesn’t come?
You’re not alone. Even the Apostle Paul pleaded for his “thorn” to be removed, something that tormented him deeply, but God answered with “My grace is sufficient for you.” Maybe what you’re carrying isn’t your fault. Maybe it’s not even a punishment. Maybe, just maybe, it’s the place where grace is going to meet you in the deepest way.
Romans 8:28 doesn’t say all things are good. It says they work together for good—to those who love God. That includes the confusing moments, the closed doors, the tears cried behind closed doors. It includes your failures, your health struggles, your anxiety, your fears. God sees it all, and He is not disappointed in your doubt—He’s drawing near to it.
And here’s the promise you can cling to: Those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame (Isaiah 49:23, Romans 10:11). That means even in the moments that feel humiliating, disappointing, or publicly painful—He’s covering you. What looks like shame to the world may be the very soil where God is planting your next testimony. He redeems it all.
This doesn’t mean the hurt is dismissed. It’s real. But it does mean the hurt will not be wasted. One day, maybe not today or tomorrow, you will look back and see how God was weaving redemption into every “no,” every delay, and every test you thought would break you. God sees. He knows. He cares. You’re coming out better from this!
Reflection/Challenge:
Let God into the places that still hurt—even the ones where you feel like He let you down. Talk to Him. Don’t hide your disappointment. Ask Him for clarity, for peace, and most of all, for faith that endures when feelings fail. Write a letter to God today, and don’t hold back.
Prayer:
Father God in the name of Jesus. I thank You for waking me and my family up this morning and starting us on our way. You’ve clothed us in our right mind and allowed us to see the dawn of a brand new day. For that, I give you praise. You are so good. I love You. I ask You for forgiveness of all of my sins and shortcomings and I receive your forgiveness in my heart. I repent of my sins. Help me to do better. Be Better. Live Better. I love You and thank You for ALL that You have done for me and my family. You’ve made ways. You’ve opened doors. You’ve protected. You’ve provided. You’ve kept. We love You Jesus. Thank You for just simply DOING and BEING. Thank You for just being YOU. Lord, I love You so much, but today, I’m hurt. I don’t understand why some things I prayed for didn’t happen. I feel disappointed, confused, and tired. But even in this space, I choose to believe that You are still good and still God. Teach me to trust You not just for the outcome, but through the outcome, whatever it is. Give me the grace to keep going. Heal what I don’t talk about. Strengthen me in my studies, life, career, and every area of my life. Remind me that even my pain has a purpose in Your hands. And Lord, when I feel embarrassed or exposed, remind me that those who trust in You will not be put to shame. Help me walk with You honestly, boldly, and with the assuranec that Your love never fails, even when life does. In Jesus’ name, Amen.