Trusting God with Major Life Changes: Our Journey
The Rugged face
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Introduction to Trusting God with Major Life Changes
Moving to Colorado was a significant decision for our family, one that we believed was part of God’s plan. We had a very specific vision: buy land, build our dream, and live the rest of our lives there. But as we soon learned, God’s way often differs from our own understanding.
The Journey Begins: A Season of Change
In December of 2021, we decided to trust God with this major life change. By January of 2022, we had moved to Colorado. We were excited to start a new chapter and build our dream. Our family settled in quickly, enrolling the kids in school and starting to build our community. Despite the enthusiasm, we soon faced hard times.
Facing Hard Times: Trusting in God’s Plan
During those initial months, we encountered several difficult situations. Our income was limited to just five months of the year, my dad passed away unexpectedly, and we totaled our car. These trials tested our faith and our ability to trust in God’s promises.
Finding Community and God’s Voice
Amidst the challenges, we discovered an incredible community of fellow believers who were also enduring difficult times. Their faith and resilience were a testament to the Holy Spirit at work. This community became a sense of peace for us, a reminder of the Lord’s unfailing love. After 18 months, we faced another major life change: moving back to Texas.
Moving Back: A New Understanding
The decision to return to Texas was a shock to our system. It felt like our dream of building a ranch in Colorado was dead in the water. We questioned if we had failed or misunderstood God’s voice. However, this move brought a new understanding: God’s plan is often different from our own to-do lists and desires of our heart.
Reflecting on Our Journey: God’s Promises and Timing
Looking back, we realize that our time in Colorado was part of His plan. Each step of the way, even the hard days and difficult situations, was orchestrated by the God of the universe. Now, three months after returning to Texas, we see the character of God in our journey. Life is good right now. We miss the mountains and our friends, but we are still pursuing our dream from a distance.
Lessons Learned: Trusting God with Every Step
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is the importance of trusting God with every step. It’s okay to make plans and pursue them, but we must always be ready to obey our Father. Our move to Colorado and back taught us to trust in His timing and His ways. The story of Joseph and the people of Israel are biblical examples of God’s promises unfolding in His perfect timing.

Real-Life Examples of Trusting God
Many people have faced significant challenges and have trusted God to guide them through. Here are some inspiring stories:
- Joseph’s Journey: Joseph’s life in the Bible is a powerful testament to trusting God through adversity. Sold into slavery by his own brothers and imprisoned on false charges, Joseph never wavered in his faith. Eventually, he rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt, saving his family and many others from famine. His story reminds us that even when life seems unfair, God has a greater plan at work.
- Ruth’s Loyalty: The story of Ruth highlights unwavering faith and loyalty. After losing her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and embrace Naomi’s God. Ruth’s faithfulness led her to become an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how faithfulness and trust in God can lead to unexpected blessings.
- Modern-Day Faith: Amanda Schaefer shares a personal story of trusting God during her husband’s severe diabetes diagnosis. Faced with a life-threatening situation, they relied on Bible verses about trials and found strength in their faith. This experience not only taught them about trusting God but also brought them closer as a couple (Alicia Michelle).
Practical Ways to Trust God During Big Changes
- Stay Connected to the Word: Regular bible studies can provide comfort and guidance.
- Seek Spiritual Growth: Engage with a spiritual director or your local church for support.
- Lean on Fellow Believers: Sharing with a good friend can help you navigate difficult things.
- Embrace a Life of Trust: Recognize that every difficult thing is part of your spiritual growth and God’s bigger plan.
First Time Trusting God in Major Life Changes
For many people, trusting God with major life changes can be a daunting task, especially the first time. The lack of trust often stems from our own understanding and the need to control every aspect of our lives. However, God’s word teaches us that His plans are always for our good. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “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.”
The Importance of Community and Support
During major life changes, having a supportive community can make a significant difference. Our time in Colorado highlighted the importance of fellow believers who can offer encouragement and prayer. Whether it’s a family member, a good friend, or a local church, surrounding ourselves with people who share our faith can provide immense support.

Trusting God with Little Things
Often, we focus on trusting God with big life changes but overlook the little things. Trusting God with our daily routines and small decisions is just as important. Each very moment is an opportunity to lean on Him and acknowledge His presence in our lives. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Embracing a Life of Belief
Living a life of belief means continuously trusting God, even when it’s difficult. It involves surrendering our plans and embracing His better way. This might mean stepping out of our comfort zones, like moving to a new home or starting a new job, and trusting that God’s character will guide us through.
Further Practical Ways to Trust God
- Daily Prayer: Engage in daily prayer, seeking God’s guidance in all areas of life.
- Scripture Memorization: Memorize Bible verses that reinforce trust in God, such as Psalm 56:3-4, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.”
- Journaling: Keep a journal of how God has worked in your life. Reflecting on His faithfulness can strengthen your trust.
- Worship and Praise: Regular worship and praise remind us of God’s greatness and His constant presence in our lives.
Embracing Change with Faith
Big life changes can be intimidating, but they also provide an opportunity for spiritual growth. Embracing these changes with faith allows us to experience God’s love and provision in new and profound ways. It’s essential to remember that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans are always for our good.
Encouragement for Young People
Young people often face significant changes and challenges as they transition into adulthood. Encouraging them to trust in God during these times is crucial. Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Teaching young people to rely on God’s word and trust in His plans can help them navigate the complexities oflife. Emphasizing the significance of trusting God during this critical stage can lay a strong foundation for their future.

Trusting God with Big Life Changes: A Summary of Key Points
- First Time Trusting God: Trusting God for the first time with major life changes can be challenging. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding.
- Biblical Examples: Stories from the Bible, such as Joseph and Moses, demonstrate the power of trusting God through adversity.
- Personal Stories: Modern-day testimonies, like Amanda Schaefer’s experience with her husband’s diabetes, highlight the strength found in faith during difficult times.
- Community and Support: Engaging with a supportive community can provide encouragement and strength.
- Trusting in Little Things: Trusting God in daily routines and small decisions builds a foundation for faith.
- Living a Life of Belief: Continuously trusting God, even when it’s difficult, and surrendering our plans to Him.
- Practical Ways to Trust God: Daily prayer, scripture memorization, journaling, and worship help reinforce trust in God.
- Embracing Change with Faith: Major life changes are opportunities for spiritual growth and experiencing God’s provision.
The Journey Continues
Our story of moving to Colorado and then back to Texas is just one of many that illustrate the journey of trusting God with major life changes. Whether it’s the first step of faith or a continued path of reliance on God, each moment is a testament to His unfailing love and perfect plan.
The story has yet to be fully written. Each new day creates a new page to our story. That’s how we have to view major life changes, and we must trust God every step of the way. His plan is better than our plan.
Real-Life Examples
- The Story of Job: Job’s unwavering faith despite losing everything teaches us about trusting God in the face of unimaginable loss. Job’s story is a powerful reminder that faith is not about understanding God’s plan but about trusting His goodness and sovereignty.
- The Story of Hannah: Hannah’s faith and trust in God, despite her initial barrenness, led to the birth of Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of Israel. Her story shows that God hears the righteous cry of His people and answers in His perfect timing.
Biblical Lessons
- Abraham’s Trust: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, based on his trust in God’s promise, exemplifies ultimate faith. This story teaches that obedience to God, even in the most difficult commands, leads to His blessings and fulfillment of His promises.
- David’s Faith: David, despite facing numerous enemies and personal failures, consistently trusted in God’s protection and guidance. His psalms are filled with declarations of trust and reliance on God, offering comfort and encouragement to believers.
- The Story of Esther: Esther’s courage to trust in God and approach the king to save her people, despite the risk to her life, shows that faith can lead to deliverance and God’s favor. Her story inspires believers to take bold steps of faith, knowing that God is in control.

Practical Applications
Daily Trust
Trusting God should not be reserved for major life changes alone. Incorporating trust into our daily routines strengthens our faith and prepares us for bigger challenges. Here are practical ways to cultivate trust in God daily:
- Daily Prayer: Start each day with a prayer, seeking God’s guidance and surrendering your plans to Him.
- Scripture Memorization: Memorize verses that reinforce trust in God, such as Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- Journaling: Write down instances where you have seen God’s faithfulness. Reflecting on these moments can bolster your faith during tough times.
- Worship and Praise: Regular worship helps us focus on God’s greatness and reminds us of His presence in our lives.
Conclusion To Trusting God Through All of Life’s Changes
Our journey from Colorado back to Texas, filled with challenges and lessons, exemplifies the profound impact of trusting God with major life changes. By looking to biblical examples, real-life stories, and practical applications, we can see that trusting God is not only crucial during major life events but also in the small, everyday moments.
Trusting God brings a sense of peace and fulfillment that surpasses our understanding. Through all of life’s changes, whether big or small, we hold onto the promises of God and trust that He is working all things for our good. In Jesus’ name, we continue to pursue the dreams He has placed in our hearts, knowing that His ways are higher than ours.
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About the Author
John Claborn
Hi! I’m John. Author of the post you just read. I like to write about all things adventure. Mostly things to help people live more adventurous lives and care for their families in a more meaningful way. By day, I’m a COO. By night, I’m a rad dad of 4 kids that I don’t deserve and a husband to a woman I can’t understand how I got. My goal is to show freedom to people through adventure and experiences.



