Can I tell you something? Life doesn't always look the way you pictured it. Sometimes, trusting God during illness means everything is upside down. You think you've gotten your footing, then it changes again. Some of you know this all too well.
Let me share what this season has looked like for us and the daily habits I’ve leaned on (and keep returning to) for hope when things get heavy. I’m not coming to you as a person with all the answers, but as your friend, sitting beside you, sharing a cup of coffee and holding space for the hard. If you’re struggling with trusting God during illness, you’re not alone—Finding God in hard times.
What Does Trusting God During Illness Really Look Like?
For me, it looks less like a mountaintop moment and more like slow, steady steps. Those steps don’t always feel strong. Some days, it’s just going through the motions. Sometimes, reading my Bible feels dry, but gratitude practices for healing can renew the heart. Sometimes, prayers feel like they bounce off the ceiling. But here’s what I’ve found - God doesn’t leave. He is steady, even when I’m exhausted.
I remember thinking, how long, Lord? How long until you answer? That honest question, whispered more than once, is all part of trusting God during illness. It’s okay to ask. It’s okay to not “feel it.” He can handle your honesty. Psalm 34:18 (CSB) keeps coming up for me: "The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit." Even when you don't sense Him, He is close.
Why Do Family Health Crises Shake Our Faith?
I’m not going to sugarcoat what it feels like to watch your child suffer, or to feel your body break down and have no answers. The uncertainty is brutal—trusting God through waiting. But there’s another side to it, too. I get trusting God with family decisions even when His path looks different. to choose, day after day, to keep trusting God during illness—Christian support in crisis shows us Christ’s love. And there’s a strange kind of peace in that choice. It’s not always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, like a whisper in your tired heart.
Simple Daily Habits for Trusting God During Illness
I’ve learned a few things make all the difference on days when it feels like there’s no strength left. These habits aren’t magic, but they remind me that hope isn’t far off.
Intentional Walks Bring a Fresh Perspective
Walks with my husband have become life-giving. Some walks are full of conversation. Other times we say nothing at all. Just stepping outside changes something in me. Maybe it’s the air or the motion, but it gives me space to keep trusting God during illness.
Letting Worship Fill the Quiet Spaces
We kept worship music playing in our hospital room. It shifted the atmosphere in ways I can’t explain. Some days, the words washed over us. Other days, it was just background noise, but you could feel the peace. Honest talk - every person who visited would note that our room felt different. I know it was God’s presence. Especially on days I wasn’t “feeling” spiritual, the music kept my heart open.
Thanking God for One Moment of Grace Each Day
I started a habit with my daughter. Even on the hardest days, we’d name one thing we were thankful for. Sometimes it was as small as “she rode her bike down the hill.” Other days it was just “we got some sleep.” It seems small, but this is part of trusting God during illness - being intentional to recognize His good gifts, even when there’s pain.
Asking for Help and Saying No When Needed
My friends and husband started calling me out when I was running on empty. It isn’t easy, but sometimes you have to say no, even when every part of you wants to keep moving. Trusting God during illness means releasing the urge to handle it all yourself. Let someone pick up a task or two. Let someone pray for you. We’re not meant to carry it all alone, and God uses community to strengthen us.
How to Stay Hopeful When Prayers Feel Unanswered
Here’s the thing about trusting God during illness: Sometimes, He feels quiet. You might feel like you’re just going through the motions because the Bible doesn’t “hit” the same way it used to. That’s okay. Faithfulness isn’t always about big feelings. It’s about consistency. Opening the Bible. Praying honest prayers. Showing up for your people. I still whisper "God, I trust you" even on the days I don't feel it. Sometimes, peace shows up in the middle of the fog.
Tangible Ways to Practice Hope in Hard Seasons
- Go for a walk or sit outside, even just for a moment
- Play worship music softly in the background
- Thank God for one real thing every single day
- Let trusted friends help or speak life over you
- Write down or speak out loud one verse that brings comfort
I keep coming back to Romans 8, where it says the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes when we don’t have words. Even when you can’t put your prayers together, He meets you in the quiet.
Trusting God During Illness Changes Us (And Our Families)
Trusting God during illness doesn’t always change the circumstance right away, but it changes me. It changes how I respond to my kids, my husband, and even the world around me. I’ve seen my daughter’s courage on days that would take out most grownups. Her willingness to push through inspires me. Maybe you feel like your family is being tested in every possible way. There is renewal hidden in those places.
Scripture doesn’t promise everything will be easy, but it does promise He’s with us. I hold onto Lamentations: "His mercies are new every morning." There’s a fresh start, even after nights that feel too long. Some days, hope comes quietly. Other times it's louder than your worry. But if you're trusting God during illness, you can know you are never alone.
How Our Community Helps Us Hold Onto Hope
We need each other. Community doesn’t solve every problem, but it makes burdens lighter. When I opened up about our season on the podcast, messages, prayers, and even practical help kept showing up. One friend sent a note that arrived on the exact day I was ready to quit. That’s God using His people. Share your story. Ask for prayer. Let someone in.
If you want more on this, the episode "When Peace Doesn’t Make Sense: Trusting God in the Weight of It All" is for you. I get real about what this looks like in my day-to-day and why I’m not giving up on hope. Listen and let’s keep trusting God during illness together.
Final Encouragement for Families Trusting God During Illness
How many of you are tired of holding your breath, just wanting a moment of real peace? You’re not broken if it all feels hard. God is present, even in the silence. You don’t have to fix all your feelings overnight. Start with one habit. Thank Him for one thing. Let worship play in the background. Ask one friend for help. Tiny habits grow hope, day by day.
If this helped you, please share it with someone else holding onto hope right now. And come find me (Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok) if you want to pray together. I mean it. We need each other in these ordinary, sacred moments. You’re not alone. Put this perspective into practice - and let’s trust God, even when it doesn't make sense.
