God Has Not Changed
Night Is Normal Part 3: God Has Not Changed
Have you ever prayed for something and felt certain God would answer one way—only to watch life unfold completely differently?
When our expectations collide with reality, it's easy to become discouraged, confused, or even disillusioned. We may begin questioning our circumstances, our faith, and sometimes even God Himself.
In Week 2 of our The Night Is Normal series, inspired by Alicia Britt Chole's book and workbook, we explore the comforting truth that God's character never changes—even when life feels uncertain.
Together we'll discover:
🌿 Why disappointment often begins where expectations meet reality
🌿 How Proverbs 3:5–6 invites us to trust God beyond our understanding
🌿 Why our circumstances do not determine God's faithfulness
🌿 Three practical building blocks for navigating difficult seasons:
Circumstances change. God doesn't.
Understanding is helpful. Trust is essential.
Feelings fluctuate. Truth remains.
If you're walking through a season of unanswered questions, this episode will encourage you to anchor your faith not in what you can see, but in the unchanging character of God.
Because when life doesn't make sense, God is still good, still faithful, and still worthy of your trust.
Diana’s Notes
Learning To Trust God's Character When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Hello everybody!!! And welcome back to Heartfelt Conversations with Diana. I am so glad you joined me today.
For any first-time listeners, we began a brand-new series inspired by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole's book, The Night Is Normal, and so far, we have talked about the Topic “What If Nothing Is Wrong With You & Is God Punishing Me or Preparing Me?” We’ve been talking about night seasons, valleys, difficult moments in life, and how those experiences are not proof that God has abandoned us.
In fact, they are often a normal part of the Christian journey.
Today, I want to continue that conversation by looking at another question that often surfaces when life becomes difficult.
What happens when God doesn't make sense?
Have you ever prayed for something and felt certain that God would answer in a specific way?
Maybe you believed a door would open.
Maybe you thought healing would come quickly.
Maybe you expected a relationship to work out.
Maybe you trusted that life would unfold one way, and instead it went in a completely different direction.
What do we do when our expectations collide with reality?
Because if we're honest, that's often where disillusionment begins.
Disillusionment occurs when a deeply held expectation collides with reality.
The expectation may not even be wrong.
The problem is that we become so attached to the outcome we expected that when life unfolds differently, we begin questioning everything.
Sometimes we question ourselves.
Sometimes we question our circumstances.
And sometimes we question God.
But what if the problem isn't that God changed? What if the problem is that our understanding is limited?
Proverbs 3:5–6 gives us some of the most comforting and challenging wisdom in all of Scripture:
It was one of my mom’s favorite bible verses, and it has become one of mine too!
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Notice what God asks us to do. Doesn’t force us, but asks us.
Trust Him. Simple. Easy Peasy, right? HAHA! He asks us to trust in Him-
Not because we understand everything.
Not because life always makes sense.
Not because the road of trust is easy.
But because He is Worthy - trustworthy.
I think many of us unknowingly create a picture in our minds of how we think God should work.
How quickly should prayers be answered? How healing should happen. How people should behave. How our future should unfold.
And when reality doesn't match our expectations, disappointment begins to whisper.
Fear begins to whisper. Doubt begins to whisper.
feelings fluctuate. Circumstances fluctuate. People fluctuate.
God does not. His nature remains the same. His character remains the same. His love remains the same. His goodness remains the same.
The same God who was faithful yesterday is faithful today.
The same God who carried you through your last storm will carry you through this one.
The same God who has never left you is not about to start now.
Sometimes we spend so much energy trying to understand what God is doing that we forget to remember who He is.
And who He is matters more than what we can currently see.
Isaiah reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9: (AMP) “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
That is not God being distant. That is God being God. He sees what we cannot see. He knows what we cannot know. He understands what we cannot yet understand.
And because of that, we can trust Him. Even when life feels uncertain. Even when answers are delayed. Even when the night feels long.
Psalm 119:105 says:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
The Message Translation reads this way: By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I have always loved that verse because God isn’t promising to light the entire path.
Sometimes, oftentimes, He gives us enough light for the next step. And sometimes faith is simply taking the next step.
Not because we understand everything. But because we trust the One leading us.
Maybe today you're facing a situation that doesn't make sense. Maybe you're carrying questions that don't yet have answers. Maybe disappointment has caused you to wonder where God is.
If that's you, I want to encourage you with this simple truth:
God has not changed. His love for you has not changed. His plans for you have not changed.
His faithfulness has not changed. And His presence has certainly not changed.
Your experience may feel different. Your emotions may feel different. Your circumstances may be different.
But God is still God.
And He is still worthy of your trust.
As I was preparing for my small groups time together, I wanted to spend some time reflecting on this question:
Where am I struggling to trust God's character because I don't understand His ways?
Take that question into prayer this week.
Invite the Holy Spirit to gently reveal anything that may be standing between your expectations and your trust.
And remember...
Faith is not the absence of questions.
Faith is choosing to trust God while you wait for answers.
So, with that, let’s wrap up with 3 Building Blocks to apply to our lives for a sturdy structure and a strong foundation.
BUILDING BLOCK #1
God's Character Is Greater Than My Circumstances
Scripture
Proverbs 3:5-6
When life doesn't make sense, we tend to judge God by our circumstances.
But circumstances change.
God doesn't.
If we build our faith on circumstances, our faith rises and falls with every storm.
But if we build our faith on God's character, we remain steady even when life isn't.
Simple Phrase to Remember
Circumstances change. God doesn't.
BUILDING BLOCK #2
God's Wisdom Is Higher Than My Understanding
Scripture
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in your own eyes
Disillusionment often begins when my expectations collide with reality.
Don’t be tempted to believe that somehow God is wrong, at fault, or is angry and mean.
God offers a simple invitation and remedy for our stinkin’ thinkin’ - It is simply this-
Trust Me even when you don't understand.
Simple Phrase to Remember
Understanding is helpful. Trust is essential.
BUILDING BLOCK #3
God's Truth Is Stronger Than My Feelings
Scripture
Psalm 119:105
This verse helps us with our "illusion vs reality".
Our feelings matter. But feelings are terrible foundations.
Truth, God’s Truth, is the only foundation that will keep us securely planted.
The Word becomes:
our lamp
our guide
our anchor
When emotions try to pull us off course.
Remember this Simple Phrase
My Feelings fluctuate. God’s Truth remains stable and sturdy.
Let's pray.
Father,
Thank You that Your character never changes. When our emotions rise and fall, You remain steady. When our circumstances feel uncertain, You remain faithful. When we don't understand what You are doing, help us trust who You are.
Teach us to lean not on our own understanding but to acknowledge You in all our ways.
Strengthen every listener who may be walking through a difficult season today. Remind them that You have not abandoned them. Remind them that You are still leading them. And remind them that You are still good.
Help us trust You one step at a time.
In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen.
Next week, as we continue this conversation, we're going to explore what happens when deeply held expectations collide with reality and how God can lead us out of disillusionment and into truth.
Until next time...
Keep holding on. Keep listening to your Shepherd's voice.
And remember...
God has not changed.
If you do not already have a local church home - and you are not in the area, please join us online for Sunday service at Valley Family Church! You can find that link with the notes for today on our website.
If you are nearby, please join us for the 9 AM or the 11:15 services and let them know Diana invited you:)
You can find the link, the notes, and Pastor Eric’s message, A Tale of Two Kings: Integrity Over Insecurity, on our website - heartfeltconversations.com
Like us & follow us on Facebook! Help us to get the Gospel of the Good News out there!
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NLT)
I’ll See ya next time on Heartfelt Conversations with Diana!
Pastor Eric’s message:
A Tale of Two Kings: Integrity Over Insecurity | Pastor Eric Jones
Valley Family Church YouTube Channel for Sunday Service:
https://www.youtube.com/@ValleyFamilyChurch/streams
Heartfelt Conversations with Diana Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583338513059
Diana’s Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkeS6qzdekMr55A_b1cG_Yv2fy_BvQ27D
Thirst Quenchers
Songs to Inspire You
Kind To Myself | Official Music Video | Tenth Avenue North
Running With You In The Dark | Official Music Video | Tenth Avenue North
Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings – Take You At Your Word (Official Live Video)
Foundational Encouraging Verses:
Isaiah 42:16: God’s Word Translation
I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them.
Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Psalm 119:105: Your word is a light unto our path and a light unto our feet.
Isaiah 54:17: But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!
Isaiah 52:12: (EASY) But you will not have to hurry and run away. No, the Lord, Israel's God, will keep you safe. He will lead you at the front, and He will be your guard at the back.
Isaiah 46:10: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times,what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
Matthew 7:11: So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
1 Peter 2:23 tells us - When He was insulted, He did not answer back with an insult; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but placed His hopes in God, the righteous Judge.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "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."
1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
The New Living Translation reads it this way: Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Now choose life."
Luke 6:37“Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.
Matthew 6:14: If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
Romans 8:31 in the AMP Bible tells us: What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?
Psalm 65:11: You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
Psalm 32:8: The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Proverbs 15:3: The Lord sees everything, whether good or bad.
1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Additional Resources:
Steven Furtick: Triggered Taking Back Your Mind in the Age of Anxiety
Beth Jones: Getting a Grip on the Basics is a great resource to help you get the basics of how vital you are to God and how good He desires to be to you
https://www.thebasicsuniversity.com
Joyce Meyer: The Mind is a Battlefield - https://joycemeyer.org
Prayer of Salvation
Jesus has given salvation, healing, and countless benefits to all who call upon His name. These benefits can be yours if you receive Him into your heart by saying this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus rose again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born-again child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This prayer and the comment above were taken out of the book:
Secrets to Powerful Prayer - Discovering the Languages of the Heart
By Lynne Hammond and Patsy Cameneti
If you have just received Jesus as your Savior, please write Lynne Hammond Ministries at:
PO Box 29469
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55429-2946
Or, email one of the ministries listed on the Additional Resources Tab and let them know that you are a brand-new Christian and need some direction on the next steps for your new life in Christ.
Or email us here at Heartfelt Conversations with Diana, and we will forward your information to you.
Congratulations if you are a brand new Christian or if you have Returned Home! Welcome!!! Get in God’s Word and get it into you.