Trusting God’s Plan Through Life’s Tests

Exactly whose plan is it?

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Building a startup company around a software product is one of the hardest things Connor and I have ever done. As a startup, we are always “on the runway”, meaning we are spending cash to build something without any money coming in from our work. Some financial experts call this the “Valley of Death” which I think is fitting.

Psalm 23:4 (AMP) Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

We deal with fear every day. Every day, there are new challenges and new possibilities. It is super important to have a massive transformative purpose in mind – what is it that we want this company to do? Ultimately, our answer to that question is to be instrumental in pointing 3 billion people towards the cross. But we need to plan to keep us marching in the right direction. The danger I think we both see is, who’s plan is that anyway? God is going to direct our path, and we need to always be listening and waiting on that guidance. So how do you do that?

Life can feel overwhelming when fear creeps in, whispering doubts and worst-case scenarios. We may find ourselves wondering if we’re on the right path or if our struggles have a purpose. Yet, the Bible reminds us that God’s plans for us are always good, even when we can’t see the full picture. Jeremiah 29:11 is a powerful anchor, assuring us that God’s intentions are rooted in love and hope, even when we face trials. Not that we toss out all our spreadsheets, no, but that we anchor our faith not on what we can do but on what God calls us to do in the moment he calls.

Understanding Jeremiah 29:11 in Context

In its original context, Jeremiah 29:11 was spoken to the Israelites in exile, a people facing uncertainty and hardship. The Hebrew word for “plans” (machashabah) implies intentional thought and purpose, while “prosper” (shalom) points to peace, wholeness, and well-being. God wasn’t promising immediate relief but a future grounded in His faithfulness. This reminds us that God’s plans often unfold over time, requiring trust and patience, especially when life feels like a test.

Our little company is kind of exiled from any sort of income, so in ways we can feel their trepidations. Not just our trails, this is a common human experience: fear can lead us to focus on potential disasters, but these thoughts don’t align with God’s intentions. Instead, God uses challenges to refine us, preparing us for the work He has planned. Let’s explore this idea through Scripture and Christian wisdom to encourage a deeper trust in Christ’s teachings.

Biblical Wisdom for Facing Tests

Tests that prepare us for His purpose is woven throughout Scripture. James writes this:

James 1: 2-4 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

The Greek word for “trials” (peirasmos) can mean both temptations and tests. Both are opportunities to grow in faith. James encourages us to embrace these moments, knowing they shape us for God’s calling.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

Similarly, here Paul connects trials to hope, showing that God’s work in us is a process that builds resilience and trust in His love. The trials we face are like exercise for our spirit. We can’t grow strong sitting on our couch watching exercise videos, we have to experience it!

Thomas à Kempis writes in his book The Imitation of Christ: “In every trial, it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Though troubles abound, the Lord will deliver you from them all” (Book II, Chapter 12).

In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis encourages us to see trials as part of God’s refining process, preparing us for the work He has set before us, even when that work is unclear. These works remind us to shift our focus from fear to faith, trusting that God is with us in every challenge.

John 16:33 (NIV), Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Here are practical steps to align with God’s plan during trials:

1. Pray for Discernment: Ask God to reveal His purpose in your challenges, trusting that He is at work even when you can’t see it.

2. Meditate on Scripture: Reflect on verses like Jeremiah 29:11, James 1:2-4, and Romans 5:3-5 to anchor your heart in God’s promises.

3. Seek Christian Community: Surround yourself with believers who can encourage you and remind you of God’s faithfulness.

4. Surrender Fear: When anxious thoughts arise, bring them to God, asking for His peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

A Call to Trust in Christ

God’s plans for us are always for our good, even when they unfold through trials. By turning to Christ’s teachings and the wisdom of Scripture, we can face tests with courage, knowing they prepare us for the work God has planned. Let Jeremiah 29:11 be a reminder that His thoughts toward us are of peace and hope. As you navigate life’s uncertainties, may you draw closer to Christ, trusting that He is guiding you toward a future filled with His purpose and love.

So, make your plans. But always be ready for the tests that will temper, prove and refine those plans. We can rest assured that everything the world can put us through is far smaller than what has already been overcome by Christ.

How do you see God’s hand in the tests you’re facing today?