Have you ever had a moment where life felt so uncertain that you wondered if God really had a plan for you?
Maybe everything seems out of control—your job isn’t secure, relationships feel strained, or you’re waiting on something important that seems to be taking forever.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The good news? God has good plans for you.
And those plans aren’t just “good enough” plans. They’re plans filled with hope, purpose, and a future that you can walk into with confidence.
Even when things feel messy or confusing, God is still at work.
If you’re struggling to trust that, this blog is for you.
Today, I want to walk you through why you can live in confidence knowing that God’s plans for you are good, even when life feels anything but certain.
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The Foundation of God’s Good Plans
When we talk about God’s good plans, one verse often comes to mind:
“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.” —Jeremiah 29:11
This verse is a favorite for many, and for good reason. It’s a promise straight from God that He is intentional with His plans for us.
But what makes this verse even more powerful is its context. God spoke these words to the Israelites while they were in exile in Babylon—a season that likely felt hopeless and confusing.
This means that God’s promise of a hopeful future wasn’t just for people who had their lives perfectly put together.
It was for people in the middle of struggle, confusion, and waiting. And that’s a promise we can hold on to today.
Even if your current season feels difficult, it doesn’t mean God has abandoned you or that His plans for you are ruined. It just means He’s still working.
Why It’s Hard to See God’s Plans
Let’s be honest—trusting God’s plans can feel really hard at times. Life is unpredictable. We face loss, disappointment, and unanswered prayers.
When things don’t go according to plan, it’s easy to wonder, “God, did You forget about me?”
Here’s the truth: God’s plans don’t always look like ours. Isaiah 55:8-9 says:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
This verse reminds us that while we see life in a limited, human way, God sees the entire picture.
He’s working on a timeline that stretches far beyond what we can understand. And sometimes, the detours we experience are actually part of the bigger plan.
Think about Joseph from the Bible. He went from being his father’s favorite son to being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned.
It took years before he saw the fulfillment of God’s plan, but every single hardship along the way was preparing him for his role as second-in-command of Egypt.
When you feel like life is off track, remember that God may be preparing you for something you can’t see yet.
What It Means to Live in Confidence
So, what does it actually mean to live in confidence that God has good plans for you?
It doesn’t mean you’ll have everything figured out or that life will suddenly get easier. But it does mean that you can live with peace, hope, and faith—no matter what’s happening around you.
Here’s what it looks like to live in confidence:
- You stop striving to control everything — Instead of feeling anxious about every detail, you trust that God is in control.
- You move forward even when you’re unsure — Confidence in God’s plans doesn’t mean waiting until you know every step. It means taking one small step of faith at a time.
- You stop comparing your journey to others — When you believe God has good plans for you, you don’t have to measure your life against someone else’s. Your story is unique, and God’s timeline for you is perfectly designed.
Living in confidence isn’t about “faking it till you make it.”
It’s about walking with faith over fear and trusting that God is working behind the scenes—even when you can’t see Him.
Practical Ways to Live in Confidence
Maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, I want to trust God’s plans, but how do I actually do that?”
Here are some practical ways to build confidence in His plans for your life:
1. Remember God’s Track Record
Take a moment to reflect on how God has shown up in your life before. Think back to times when things felt uncertain, but God provided for you, opened a door, or brought peace.
If He did it before, He can do it again.
2. Stay Rooted in God’s Word
When doubt creeps in, Scripture will remind you of God’s promises. Read verses like Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Proverbs 3:5-6. Write them down. Memorize them.
God’s Word is a weapon against doubt and fear.
3. Surrender Your Plans to God in Prayer
Surrender doesn’t mean giving up. It means handing over your plans to God and trusting that His plans are better.
Pray something like this:
“Lord, I surrender my dreams, goals, and desires to You. I trust that Your plans for me are better than anything I could create for myself. Show me the next step to take and give me peace as I follow You.”
4. Look for Small Steps of Obedience
You don’t have to see the whole path to take the first step. If God is calling you to apply for that job, start the business, or reach out to someone, take the step.
Confidence grows with action.
5. Surround Yourself with Encouragement
Find people who will remind you of God’s goodness when you’re feeling unsure. Join a Bible study, reach out to a mentor, or stay connected with friends who speak life into you.
We weren’t made to walk this journey alone.
Looking for some additional resources for studying the Bible? Here is an extensive library of (free) monthly topical Bible reading plans.
Quotes to Remember About God’s Plans
Here are a few reminders you can write down, hang up, or add to your phone wallpaper:
- “God’s plans for me are good, even when I can’t see them.”
- “I can trust the unknown because I know the One who holds it.”
- “When life feels shaky, God’s Word is my firm foundation.”
- “God’s delay is not God’s denial.”
- “The Creator of the universe is also the Author of my story.”
When You’re Struggling to Trust
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “This all sounds good, but I’m still struggling.” That’s okay. God knows your heart, and He’s patient with us.
When you feel like your faith is shaky, here’s a prayer you can pray:
Prayer for Trusting God’s Plans
“Lord, I know Your plans for me are good, but sometimes I struggle to trust them. Help me to see beyond my circumstances and to remember that You are always working for my good. When fear, doubt, or worry try to take over, remind me that You are in control. Give me peace in my heart and confidence in Your purpose for my life. I choose to trust You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Reflection
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s this: God’s plans for you are good.
Not perfect in the way the world defines perfection, but good, full of hope, and filled with purpose.
- Do you truly believe that God’s plans for your life are good, even when your circumstances don’t match your expectations? Why or why not?
- What past experiences can you reflect on to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in your life? How has He shown you His goodness before?
- Are there any specific areas of your life where you’re struggling to surrender control to God? What is one small step you can take today to trust Him more in that area?
Even if today feels messy, even if you feel behind, even if you’re unsure of what’s next—God is still working. His plans for you aren’t fragile.
They don’t fall apart when life gets hard. They are unshakable because He is unshakable.
So, breathe deeply. Take the next small step. Trust Him with your plans, your dreams, and your future.
Live in confidence, knowing that God has good plans for you.
Be sure to download a printable version of this page to keep in your study journal!
Now that you know that God has good plans for you, see how to use your gifts for His glory!