The Bible tells the stories of those who put their faith in God despite facing overwhelming adversity. Despite their ignorance, these people put their faith in God. Trusting God through adversity is something we can learn from their example.
Biblical heroes who put their faith in God will be discussed here. Their actions and God’s just recompense will be laid bare.
What makes God worth trusting?
Trusting God lets us feel his serenity and joy in hard situations. To trust God means to realise he is in control and has a good plan for our life. He also loves us and will never leave us.
Let’s take a look at some of these biblical characters who trusted God.
List of Bible Characters Who Trusted God
Trusting God in hard times is not always easy, but it is essential to experience his peace and joy. The Bible is full of stories of people who trusted God even when things were tough. Here is a brief paragraph about trusting God in hard times and a list of Bible characters who trusted God:
- Abraham trusted God to leave his home and go to a new land, even though he didn’t know where he was going.
- David trusted God to face Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, with only a sling and a stone.
- Noah trusted God to build an ark and save his family from the flood.
- Joseph trusted God even when he was sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison.
- Ruth trusted God to leave her home and follow her mother-in-law to a new land.
- Esther trusted God to risk her life to save her people from genocide.
- Rahab trusted God to hide the Israelite spies and help them escape from Jericho.
- Gideon trusted God to lead him to victory against the Midianites with a small army.
- Daniel trusted God to refuse to worship the Babylonian idols and to survive being thrown into the lions’ den.
- Elijah trusted God to provide for him during a famine and to answer his prayers for rain.
- Nehemiah trusted God to help him rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
- Mary trusted God to have a child even though she was not married.
- Peter trusted God to walk on water and to forgive him for denying him.
- Paul trusted God to use him to spread the gospel, even though he was persecuted and imprisoned.
- Deborah trusted God to lead her army to victory over the Canaanites.
- Hannah trusted God to give her a child even though she was barren.
- Job trusted God even when he lost everything, including his family, his health, and his possessions.
- Stephen trusted God even as he was being stoned to death for his faith.
These are just a few examples of the many people in the Bible who trusted God in hard times. Their stories can inspire us to trust God in our own lives, no matter what challenges we may face.
Now, let’s look into the lives of each of these characters and how they trusted God:
Abraham
Abraham is one of the most well-known Bible characters who trusted God. He was called by God to leave his home in Ur of the Chaldeans and go to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham trusted God, even though he didn’t know where he was going or what the future held.
Abraham’s faith was tested many times throughout his life. One of the most difficult tests came when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham loved Isaac very much, but he also loved God. He trusted that God would provide a way, even if he didn’t understand how.
In the end, God did provide a way. He stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac and provided a ram for him to sacrifice instead. God rewarded Abraham’s faith by making him the father of many nations and by giving him the promise of a blessed future (Genesis 22:17-18).
Moses
Moses is another well-known Bible character who trusted God. He was called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). Moses was afraid and didn’t think he was qualified for the job, but God assured him that he would be with him (Exodus 3:11-12).
Moses trusted God and obeyed his calling. God led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land (Exodus 13-14). Along the way, Moses faced many challenges, but he always trusted God.
One of the most difficult challenges that Moses faced was when the Israelites complained about their lack of food and water (Exodus 16:2-3, 17:1-7). Moses prayed to God, and God provided them with food and water from a rock (Exodus 16:4-36, 17:8-7). Moses also trusted God to lead them through the wilderness and to help them defeat their enemies (Exodus 13:21-22, 14:13-14).
In the end, Moses led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1-5). He had trusted God throughout the journey, and God had rewarded him for his trust.
David
David was a young shepherd boy who was chosen by God to be the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13). David faced many challenges in his life, but he always trusted God.
When David was facing Goliath, the giant Philistine warrior, he said, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). David trusted God to help him defeat Goliath, and God did. David killed Goliath with a single stone from his sling (1 Samuel 17:48-51).
David also faced many challenges from within his own kingdom. He was betrayed by his friends and family, and he was even hunted down by King Saul. But David never gave up on God. He always trusted God to protect him and to lead him through difficult times (1 Samuel 23, 24, 26).
David succeeded Saul and became a powerful monarch. He founded a dynasty that would rule for decades and lead Israel to triumph over its foes (2 Samuel 5:1–5). David put his faith in God from a young age on, and God was faithful to him.
Noah
Noah is one of the first Bible characters who trusted God. He was called by God to build an ark to save himself, his family, and two of every kind of animal from a global flood (Genesis 6:13-22). Noah trusted God, even though he had never seen a flood before and it seemed impossible that it would rain enough to cover the whole earth.
Noah spent many years building the ark, and he and his family were the only ones who believed him that a flood was coming. But Noah trusted God, and in the end, the flood came just as God had said. Noah and his family were safe in the ark, and all the other people on earth perished.
After the flood, God blessed Noah and his family and gave them a new beginning (Genesis 9:1-17). Noah’s story teaches us that we can trust God even when things seem impossible and no one else believes us.
Joseph
Joseph is another Bible character who trusted God through many trials and tribulations. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, and then he was falsely accused of adultery and thrown into prison (Genesis 37-39). Joseph spent many years in prison, but he never gave up hope. He trusted that God was with him, and that he would eventually be released.
One day, the pharaoh of Egypt had two dreams that no one could interpret. Joseph was brought before the pharaoh, and he was able to interpret the dreams correctly. The pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph that he made him his second-in-command (Genesis 41).
Joseph used his position to help the Egyptian people during a seven-year famine. He also forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery, and he brought his family to Egypt to live with him (Genesis 42-50). Joseph’s story teaches us that we can trust God even when we are going through difficult times. God is always with us, and he has a good plan for our lives.
Ruth
Ruth is a Moabite woman who married an Israelite man named Mahlon. After Mahlon and his brother died, Ruth went with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Bethlehem in Judah (Ruth 1:1-19).
In Bethlehem, Ruth worked in the fields to provide for herself and Naomi. She met a wealthy man named Boaz, and they eventually fell in love and got married (Ruth 2-4). Ruth’s story teaches us that God is faithful and that he provides for his people.
Esther
Esther was a Jewish woman who was chosen to be queen of Persia. When King Xerxes issued a decree to kill all the Jews in the kingdom, Esther risked her life to plead with him to change his mind (Esther 3-5). Esther trusted God to give her the courage to speak up, and God answered her prayer. The king changed his decree, and the Jews were saved (Esther 7-8).
Esther’s story teaches us that we can trust God to help us in difficult times. Even when we are afraid, we can rely on God to give us the strength and courage to do what is right.
Rahab
Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho. When the Israelites came to conquer Jericho, Rahab hid two Israelite spies in her house. She lied to the Jericho soldiers about the spies, and she helped them to escape. Rahab trusted God to protect her, and she was rewarded for her faith. When the Israelites conquered Jericho, they spared Rahab and her family (Joshua 2:1-24).
Rahab’s story teaches us that God can use anyone to achieve his purposes. Even though Rahab was a prostitute, God used her to help the Israelites. God is always looking for people who are willing to trust him and obey him, regardless of their background.
Gideon
Gideon was a farmer who was called by God to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon was afraid and didn’t think he was qualified for the job, but God assured him that he would be with him (Judges 6:1-16).
Gideon trusted God and obeyed his calling. He led the Israelites to victory over the Midianites, even though the Midianites had a much larger army (Judges 7:1-25). Gideon’s story teaches us that God can use anyone to accomplish his purposes. He doesn’t need us to be strong or experienced. He just needs us to be willing to trust him and obey him.
Daniel
Daniel was a young Jewish man who was taken captive to Babylon. Daniel was forced to serve the Babylonian king, but he never forgot his God. Daniel trusted God even when he was thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:1-28).
God protected Daniel from the lions, and he showed that he is a powerful God who can deliver his people. Daniel’s story teaches us that we can trust God even when we are in difficult situations. God is always with us, and he will never forsake us.
Elijah
Elijah was a prophet who lived during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Ahab and Jezebel were idolaters, and they persecuted the prophets of the Lord. But Elijah stood up to them and proclaimed the truth of God (1 Kings 16:29-17:1).
One day, Elijah prophesied that there would be a drought in Israel for three and a half years. The drought came just as Elijah had said, and the people suffered greatly (1 Kings 17:1-7). But God provided for Elijah during the drought, and he used Elijah to perform many miracles (1 Kings 17:8-24, 18:1-46).
Elijah’s story teaches us that we can trust God to provide for our needs, even in difficult times. God is also faithful to answer the prayers of his people.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah was a Jewish man who served as cupbearer to the king of Persia. One day, Nehemiah heard about the ruins of Jerusalem and the plight of his people. He prayed to God and asked him to allow him to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls (Nehemiah 1:1-11).
The king of Persia granted Nehemiah’s request, and Nehemiah went to Jerusalem. He led the people in rebuilding the city walls, even though they faced opposition from their enemies (Nehemiah 2-6). Nehemiah’s story teaches us that we can trust God to use us to accomplish his purposes, even when we face challenges.
Mary
Mary was a young Jewish woman who was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. When Mary found out that she was pregnant, she was afraid and confused. But she trusted God and obeyed his plan (Luke 1:26-38).
Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. She raised Jesus and taught him about God. She also stood by his side during his ministry, even when he was crucified (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20, John 19:25-27).
When we don’t comprehend God’s plan, we can still trust him, as we saw Mary do in her narrative. We can also count on God’s guidance as we teach our kids about God and prepare them for the future.
Peter
Peter was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He was a fisherman who was called by Jesus to follow him (Matthew 4:18-22). Peter was a passionate and impulsive man, but he was also deeply devoted to Jesus.
Peter followed Jesus during his ministry, and he witnessed many of his miracles. He was also present at Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection (Matthew 26-28). After Jesus ascended into heaven, Peter became a leader of the early church (Acts 2:14-41).
We learn from Peter’s example that it’s okay to make mistakes and still put your trust in God. God is unfailingly kind and forgiving. Even if we are imperfect, he is nevertheless faithful to use us for his purposes.
Paul
Paul was a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted Christians. But then he had an encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. After that, Paul became a Christian, and he spent the rest of his life spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-22).
Paul faced many challenges during his ministry. He was beaten, imprisoned, and even shipwrecked. But Paul never gave up. He trusted God to help him through every challenge
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do!
Deborah
Israel’s prophetess and judge Deborah lived during the judges’ time. The knowledgeable and brave woman guided the Israelites to triumph over their adversaries.
The Canaanites oppressed the Israelites. Deborah requested that military leader Barak lead the Israelites to battle. Barak hesitated, but Deborah promised him God would help.
Barak and Deborah led the Israelites to victory against Canaan. Deborah was so appreciated by the Israelites that they sung a song of praise to God (Judges 4-5).
Deborah shows us that God can use us, even women and those with disabilities, to fulfil his will. God provides the insight, courage, and strength we need to serve him.
Hannah
Hannah was a woman who longed for a child. She prayed to God for a child, and he promised to give her one (1 Samuel 1:1-20).
Hannah gave birth to a son and named him Samuel. She dedicated Samuel to God and raised him to serve him (1 Samuel 1:21-28).
Israeli prophet and judge Samuel. He led Israel through a terrible time.
Hannah shows us that God will answer our prayers, even if it takes time. GOD keeps his promises to his people.
Job
Job was a wealthy and righteous man. He was blessed with a large family and a successful business (Job 1:1-5).
One day, Satan asked God for permission to test Job’s faith. God allowed Satan to test Job, but he promised that Job would remain faithful.
Satan took away everything from Job: his family, his business, and his health. But Job remained faithful to God. He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15).
In the end, God rewarded Job’s faithfulness. He healed Job and restored his family and business. He also gave Job even more blessings than he had before (Job 42:10-17).
We learn from Job’s experience that we can put our faith in God even when things seem hopeless. God is never going to leave us or forsake us. He will eventually provide us with blessings for our loyalty.
Stephen
Stephen was a deacon in the early church. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5-6).
One day, Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, on charges of blasphemy. Stephen gave a powerful speech in which he defended his faith and accused the Sanhedrin of rejecting Jesus Christ (Acts 7:1-53).
The Sanhedrin was furious with Stephen. They stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-60). Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
Persecution does not have to shake our faith in God, as Stephen’s narrative demonstrates.
God will give us the strength to defend our religion, even if it means giving our lives, since he is always with us.
10 Examples of Trusting God in Difficult Times to Inspire You
Here are ten simple and inspiring stories from the Bible about people who trusted in God during hard times. From Job to Jesus, these stories show how faith can bring hope and strength, no matter how tough things get. They remind us that we can trust in God too.
- Job’s Faith Amid Suffering (Book of Job): Despite losing his wealth, health, and family, Job remained faithful and trusted in God’s plan, eventually being rewarded with restoration and blessings.
- Abraham’s Obedience (Genesis 22): Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, as commanded by God, demonstrated his unwavering trust in God’s wisdom and providence.
- Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6): Daniel’s trust in God allowed him to remain steadfast in his faith, even in the face of persecution and the threat of death.
- Joseph’s Resilience (Genesis 37-50): Despite being sold into slavery and facing unjust imprisonment, Joseph trusted God’s plan and eventually rose to a position of great influence in Egypt.
- The Faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3): These three men refused to bow to a golden image and were thrown into a fiery furnace. They trusted that God would protect them, and they emerged unharmed.
- The Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14): The Israelites faced the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army closing in, but they trusted God as He miraculously parted the waters, allowing them to escape.
- The Widow’s Faith (1 Kings 17): The widow of Zarephath trusted God when Elijah asked for her last bit of food. Miraculously, her flour and oil did not run out during a severe famine.
- David’s Confidence in God (Psalm 23): David’s Psalm 23 reflects his unwavering trust in God’s guidance and protection, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
- Paul’s Contentment (Philippians 4:11-13): The apostle Paul learned to be content in all circumstances through his trust in Christ, finding strength and peace in difficult times.
- The Crucifixion and Resurrection (Matthew 27-28): The ultimate example of trust is Jesus Christ, who endured the cross, trusting in God’s plan for salvation, and rose from the dead, fulfilling His promise of eternal life.
These biblical examples of trusting God in difficult times can inspire and encourage individuals to maintain their faith and reliance on God’s guidance and providence during challenging moments in life.
Final Thought
How do you plan to overcome the challenges that life throws at you? You may have been in the same situation as I was, and if you have dealt with hardship for any length of time at all, you know how easy it is to lose your faith and give in to feelings of self-pity and unbelief in the thick of it all.
Because of this, we frequently lose trust in God, and as a direct result, we stop praying and expecting God to act on our behalf. The narrative of Zechariah is a story that not only highlights the faithfulness of God, but also what it means for a person to live a life of faith for someone who lives by faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trusting God is one of the most important things we can do in life. But it’s not always easy. After all, how can we trust someone we can’t see or hear? And what if God doesn’t do what we want him to?
This FAQ is for anyone who has ever had questions or doubts about trusting God. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or a complete skeptic, we hope you’ll find something helpful here.
Why is it important to trust God?
Because it enables us to encounter his joy and serenity even in trying circumstances, trusting God is crucial. When we put our trust in God, we may be confident that he is in charge and that he has good intentions for our life. Additionally, we can be confident in the fact that he loves us and will never desert us.
How did these Bible characters show their faith in action?
These Bible characters showed their faith in action in many different ways. For example:
- Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his home and go to a new land, even though he didn’t know where he was going.
- Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, even though they were outnumbered and outgunned by the Egyptians.
- David faced Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, with only a sling and a stone.
- Daniel refused to worship the Babylonian king, even though it meant being thrown into the lions’ den.
- Job endured much suffering, but he never lost faith in God.
- Peter confessed his faith in Jesus, even though it meant being crucified.
What can we learn from these Bible characters who trusted God?
We can learn a lot from the Bible characters who trusted God. For example, we can learn that:
- God is faithful, and he always has a good plan for our lives.
- We can trust God even when things are difficult.
- God will help us to overcome any challenge that we face.
- God is using us to accomplish his purposes in the world.
How can I trust God more in my own life?
Here are some tips for trusting God more in your own life:
- Spend time reading the Bible and praying to God.
- Get involved in a church or small group where you can learn more about God and grow in your faith.
- Surround yourself with other people who trust God.
- Remember the stories of the Bible characters who trusted God, and be encouraged by their examples.
Are there modern-day Christians who trusted God?
Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch woman who hid Jews from the Nazis during World War II. She was arrested and imprisoned in a concentration camp. But Corrie trusted God to sustain her and to give her the strength to help others. And God miraculously preserved her life. (The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor who stood up against the Nazis during World War II. He was imprisoned and executed for his beliefs. But Bonhoeffer trusted God to use him to make a difference in the world, even though it meant giving up his life. (The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was imprisoned for 27 years for his fight against apartheid. But Mandela trusted God to give him the strength to endure his imprisonment and to lead his people to freedom. And eventually, he succeeded. (Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela)
These are just a few examples of people who have trusted God in difficult times. Their stories should inspire us to trust God in our own lives, no matter what challenges we may face.