Trusting God In Difficult Situations

TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 1:1-4

“Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? Now therefore thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.”

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 46:1, Nahum 1:7, Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION:

Life often brings seasons of hardship, uncertainty, and pain. In such times, people seek answers and solutions—some turn to idols, others to themselves or the world. But God expects His children to put their full trust in Him alone. In the days of Ahaziah, his choice to consult a false god instead of trusting the God of Israel cost him dearly. Our response in times of difficulty reveals who we truly depend on.

1. DIFFICULT TIMES WILL COME TO ALL MEN

No one is exempt from trials, not even kings.

a) Life Is Full of Unexpected Storms

Trouble can strike at any time (John 16:33).

b) God Does Not Always Prevent the Storm

Sometimes He uses it to build faith (James 1:2-4).

c) Our Reaction Matters More Than the Situation

Ahaziah’s response revealed a lack of faith (2 Kings 1:2).

d) Difficult Times Are Opportunities to Trust God More

They are divine tests of our dependence (Proverbs 24:10).

Biblical Example – Job lost everything but still trusted God (Job 1:20-22).

2. GOD IS A PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE

He is not distant in difficult times; He is near.

a) God Promises to Be With Us in Trials

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2).

b) He Is Our Refuge and Strength

A very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

c) God Does Not Abandon His Own

He is faithful even when we feel weak (Deuteronomy 31:6).

d) Seeking Him First Demonstrates Trust

We must run to Him before any other source (Matthew 6:33).

Biblical Example – Hezekiah turned to God in sickness and received healing (2 Kings 20:1-6).

3. TRUSTING GOD MEANS REFUSING ALTERNATIVE SOURCES

Turning elsewhere for help dishonours God.

a) Ahaziah Consulted Baal-zebub Instead of God

He relied on idols in desperation (2 Kings 1:2).

b) God Was Angry Because He Was Ignored

Trust in false gods invites judgment (Exodus 20:3).

c) Modern Believers Must Avoid Today’s Idols

Money, people, and systems cannot save (Psalm 20:7).

d) God Requires Exclusive Trust

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5).

Biblical Example – King Asa trusted physicians, not God, and died (2 Chronicles 16:12).

4. TRUST IN GOD PRODUCES PEACE AND STRENGTH

Believers who trust God find rest even in storms.

a) Faith Drives Out Fear

God gives perfect peace to those who trust Him (Isaiah 26:3).

b) Our Confidence Is Rooted in His Faithfulness

He never fails (Lamentations 3:22-23).

c) Trust Gives Courage to Wait on God’s Timing

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Even When We Don’t Understand, We Can Trust

God works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Biblical Example – Paul trusted God during shipwreck and encouraged others (Acts 27:22-25).

5. GOD HONOURS THOSE WHO TRUST HIM

Those who put their faith in God are never disappointed.

a) Trust Brings Divine Intervention

God shows up for those who depend on Him (Psalm 34:4-6).

b) He Delivers in Unexpected Ways

God’s methods are beyond understanding (Daniel 3:24-25).

c) Our Trust Becomes a Testimony to Others

It inspires faith in others (Psalm 40:1-3).

d) God Rewards the Faithful

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him” (Jeremiah 17:7).

Biblical Example – Daniel’s trust in God preserved him in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:22-23).

CONCLUSION:

In difficult times, whom you turn to reveals your true trust. God desires that we lean fully on Him and reject all false supports. Like Elijah confronted Ahaziah’s messengers, the Spirit confronts us today: Is there no God in Israel? Indeed, there is! Let us trust Him boldly, faithfully, and continually.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, help me to trust You even when life is hard.

2. Lord, forgive me for ever turning to alternatives in times of need.

3. Strengthen my faith to hold on in the storm.

4. I reject every false source of help in my life.