Faith in the Unseen: Trusting God’s Process

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for John 13:7 (ESV)

Congratulations on choosing to immerse yourself in John 13:7! Your pursuit of God’s wisdom is a beautiful step toward deeper faith. By opening your heart to Scripture, you’re allowing God’s Word to illuminate areas of your life that need comfort, direction, and hope. Today’s verse is a gentle invitation to trust God—even when you don’t understand His ways.

Read

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” John 13:7 (ESV)

The book of John, written by the Apostle John, is a transformative account focused on the divinity of Jesus and His mission to reveal God’s love to humanity. John 13 takes place during the Last Supper, just before Jesus’ crucifixion. In this chapter, Jesus humbles Himself to wash His disciples’ feet, demonstrating servant-hearted love. As Peter protests Jesus’ actions, Jesus reassures him with the words of this verse: though you may not understand now, understanding will come in time. This message is a timeless encouragement for all who feel confused or uncertain about God’s ways in their lives.

Examine

John 13:7 teaches us that there are moments in life when God’s purposes and movements may be hidden from our sight. Yet, Jesus assures us that His plans, though mysterious, are ultimately for our good and will become clear in due time. God invites us to trust Him through life’s uncertainties, resting in the certainty of His wisdom and love.

Connection to Jesus: Jesus embodied trust in the Father’s plan—even when He Himself faced suffering and misunderstanding. His actions at the Last Supper foreshadowed the ultimate servant-leadership and sacrifice He would make on the cross. Jesus’ reassurance to Peter mirrors how Christ calls us to trust Him, just as He trusted the Father unto death and resurrection, bringing us new life.

Main Themes:

-Trust in God’s Timing: God’s work is often beyond our current understanding, but His timing brings clarity and blessing.
- Humility and Service: Jesus models humble service, calling us to live likewise, even when it’s uncomfortable or unclear.
- Faith Over Sight: This verse underscores the importance of faith, trusting God before understanding comes.

Key Word Study:

- “Understand” (Greek: ginōskō): This word means more than intellectual knowledge; it refers to deep, relational understanding and personal experience. Jesus promises that understanding will come—not just to the mind, but to the heart.
- “What I am doing” refers to Jesus’ entire redemptive work, which includes present actions that may not make sense in the moment but are ultimately part of God’s loving plan.

Apply

Reflective Questions:

- Are there situations in my life where I feel confused or find it hard to see what God is doing?
- How can I practice trusting God more deeply, even when I don’t have all the answers?
- What would it look like to humbly serve others even when I don’t fully understand why?

Real-Life Application:

- Pause and Surrender: The next time you’re wrestling with unanswered questions or uncertainty, intentionally pause and pray, “God, I don’t understand, but I choose to trust You.”
- Serve with Faith: Serve someone in a way that may seem small or confusing—like reaching out to encourage a difficult coworker, or helping someone in need. Trust that God sees and uses every act of service for His purposes.
- Look Back with Gratitude: Recall a past situation where God later revealed His purpose after a time of confusion. Let that testimony build your faith in the present.

Example: Imagine Maria, struggling with a sudden job loss. Initially, she doesn’t see God’s hand in her circumstances. Months later, she realizes that the unexpected free time allowed her to care for a sick family member and discover a new calling. Maria’s initial confusion gave way to trust and gratitude as God’s purposes unfolded.

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect wisdom and loving plans, even when I can’t see or understand them right now. Forgive me for wanting control or clarity more than trusting You. I surrender my questions and uncertainties to You today. Fill me with faith to trust that what I do not understand now will make sense in Your time. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to serve others with humility and love, following the example of Jesus. May I walk in trust, hope, and peace, wrapped in the assurance of Your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Reflection: Picture standing on the shore of a vast ocean—unable to see what lies beyond the horizon, yet confident that the waves move under the care of an all-knowing God. As you walk through today, let trust wash over your heart like gentle waves, knowing that God sees the whole picture and is guiding you every step of the way.

Call to Action: Today, entrust one uncertain area of your life to God, declaring, “I may not understand now, but I know I will understand later.” Take a simple step of obedience or service—even if it doesn’t make perfect sense—trusting that God is weaving your story with wisdom, love, and purpose. Remember, you are never alone; God is leading you forward, even in the mystery.