Trusting God is easy when life is smooth. When prayers are answered quickly, when doors open with ease, and when the blessings flow without resistance.

But what about the moments when everything feels uncertain?

When fear creeps in, when doubt grows louder, and when the enemy whispers tempting shortcuts into your weary soul?

I’ve found that trusting God isn’t a one-time declaration — it’s a daily decision, often made in the quiet wrestling of my heart.

Luke 4:7 says, “If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”

At first glance, this might sound promising.

Everything you’ve ever wanted — yours.

But let’s pause. These words were not spoken by Jesus.

They were spoken to Jesus — by Satan.

Let that settle for a moment.

The Temptation to Control

Luke 4 tells the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. He was tired, hungry, and alone — physically vulnerable.

And it’s there, in that raw and empty place, that Satan shows up.

Isn’t that just like life?

Satan doesn’t offer him something evil on the surface.

He offers him what is already his — the kingdoms of the world — just with a shortcut.

No suffering.

No cross.

No sacrifice.

“If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Jesus was being asked to trade trust in the Father for temporary relief.

And that’s what the enemy does to us too, especially in our waiting seasons.

He offers what looks good, but will cost us what is truly good —

intimacy with God, obedience, and peace.

Trust Is Choosing the Long Road

Trusting God often means saying no to the easy road.

It means choosing obedience when no one else understands.

It means surrendering control, even when fear makes us want to cling tighter.

I think of the times I’ve been in the wilderness — maybe you’re in one now.

Times where I couldn’t see how God was working.

Times where the enemy whispered lies:

"If God really loved you, He’d fix this by now."

"If you just compromise a little, this could all go away."

"If you stop waiting and just take it into your own hands, you’ll feel better."

But true trust says: “Even if I don’t understand, I will not bow.”

Like Jesus, we look Satan in the eye and say, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” (Luke 4:8)

What Trusting God Looks Like in Real Life

Trusting God might look like:

• Saying no to a job that pays more but costs your peace.

• Letting go of friendships that are no longer life giving.

• Holding boundaries with family members even when it’s painful.

• Continuing to pray for a child you haven’t conceived yet.

• Choosing joy (and serving) in a marriage that feels one-sided.

• Believing God still has a plan, even after trauma.

• Not knowing the details, but trusting that God is working it out, even when we can't see it.

It might not always feel good — but it is always worth it.

He Can Be Trusted — Even Here

The wilderness isn’t the end of the story.

After Jesus rejected Satan, angels came and ministered to Him.

God didn't abandon Him in His hunger.

He was preparing Him.

Strengthening Him.

Positioning Him for ministry.

That same God walks with you.

He sees you wrestling.

He knows the quiet battles of your heart.

And He is so worthy of your trust — even when it costs something.

Especially when it costs something.

Friend, what are you being tempted to take into your own hands right now?

What shortcut is the enemy offering that sounds easier than trusting and waiting?

Let Luke 4:7 remind you: not everything that looks good is God.

And not everything that’s hard means God isn’t in it.

Jesus said no so that we could say yes — yes to a life of deep, unshakable trust.

You don’t need to worship your fear.

You don’t need to bow to your anxiety.

You don’t need to make something happen.

You just need to worship Him.

And He will do the rest.

Let’s pray.

Lord, You see the one reading this right now — the burdens they’re carrying, the decisions they’re facing, the waiting they’re enduring. You see the temptations that whisper shortcuts and the fear that makes their heart feel heavy. But You also see their faith — even if it’s hanging by a thread.

God, teach us to trust You in the wilderness. Help us to resist the lies of the enemy and remember that everything You’ve promised will come to pass — in Your way, in Your time. Give us courage to wait well. Give us discernment to say no to the counterfeit. And give us peace in the process.

We surrender control, fear, timelines, and outcomes into Your hands, because we know You are faithful.

Even here. Even now.

We choose to trust You again today.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.