Learning to Trust God in Uncertain Seasons

 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8

Learning to trust God in uncertain seasons can be so difficult. What do we do when we draw close to God and don’t feel Him? That sense of abandonment can hit hard, especially when you’ve gone from feeling God’s presence so strongly to what feels like complete silence.

For new followers of Christ, that silence can be unsettling. You might even find yourself whispering, “God, where did You go?” But here’s the truth — God hasn’t gone anywhere. He is still near. There are times when He seems silent, but He is never absent.

James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Sometimes, though, we get tangled up in worldly things — distractions, worries, or advice from others (good or not-so-good). Speaking from my own experience, when I start to feel far from God, it’s usually because I drifted. Maybe I tried to handle something on my own, asked everyone else for advice before asking Him, or simply got too busy to be still.

When that distance grows, I’ve learned to go back to the basics — reading Scripture, praying, worshiping, and just spending quiet time with Him. And then, suddenly, that feeling of closeness returns. Not because He moved, but because I did. I had to realign my heart, disconnect from the noise of the world, and reconnect with my Father.

Uncertain seasons are strange that way. As Christians, especially newer ones, we know that God works in His timing… but living that truth out can really stretch us.

There’s a young man in our community, just 15 years old, who recently ran away. I don’t know all the details, but I do know his family is walking through an unimaginably painful and uncertain season — waiting, praying, hoping for their son to be found safe.

Our town isn’t huge — about 65,000 people — so word travels fast. Countless hearts are praying around the clock for Christopher’s safe return. As a parent myself, my heart aches for his mom and dad. I can’t imagine their fear, their exhaustion, their heartbreak.

And I’ll be honest — I’ve found myself asking God, “Why haven’t You brought him home yet? We’re all praying. We know You can do it — so why the silence?”

That’s when I have to stop and say, “Okay, God… this is where faith steps in.”

Faith reminds me that God is working, even when I don’t see it. I may not understand His timing, but I trust that He’s near — with Christopher, with his family, and with every single person praying for him.

Though I’m still new in my faith and learning as I go, I do know this: when we draw near to God, He draws near to us.

God, we know You are here. We know You hear our prayers, and You see every tear and every heart that’s aching. Thank You, Father, for protecting Christopher and for bringing him home safely. Give his parents peace, strength, and comfort that only You can provide. Watch over everyone searching for him, Lord. Amen.

Trusting God in uncertain seasons isn’t easy. But He never promised easy — He promised Himself.

John 16:33 reminds us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
And Matthew 7:14 tells us the path is narrow — meaning this walk of faith isn’t without challenges.

Even when life feels unbearable, we can rest knowing God is right there beside us. He’s not late, He’s not ignoring us, and He’s not absent. His timing is perfect.

Our job is to stay close — to lean on Jesus, trust His heart, and let His peace guard ours.

So, friend, if you’re walking through an uncertain season right now, be patient, be humble, and let grace and love guide you. God knows what He’s doing. The enemy wants you to believe He’s not listening, but trust me — He is.

Draw near to Him. He’s already near to you.

Continued prayers for the family of Christopher Conlisk.

If you know the whereabouts of Christopher Noah Conlisk, last seen near Tangerine and Thornydale in Marana, AZ on 11/1/25 — possibly wearing jeans, a dark hoodie, a Texas ball cap, and leather hiking boots — please contact the Marana Police Department at 520-382-2000 or dial 911.

God Bless,
Jane

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