Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
There are seasons when God feels loud. Clear signs. Answered prayers. That “wow, You really showed up” moment. And then… there are the other seasons.
The quiet ones. The “I’m praying but it feels like talking to a wall” ones. The “God, are You even doing anything?” ones.
If you’re in that second category, welcome. You’re not alone—and you’re not a bad Christian because of it. You’re just human. And you’re living in the in-between, where faith feels less like fire and more like flickering.
It’s in that space that Romans 8:28 shows up like a stubborn anchor:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Let’s pause there.
It doesn’t say “in the good things.” It actually says “in all things.”
That includes the confusing, the boring, the painful, the “this doesn’t make sense” things. But if we’re honest, that’s hard to believe when nothing’s changing. When the door stays closed. When the prayer feels unanswered. When your life looks the same no matter how many journals you fill or how many worship songs you play.
I remember a season when I was begging God for direction. I had graduated, pivoted careers (more than once), and was staring down this massive “what now?” energy every morning. I prayed. I waited. I listened. Nothing.
Eventually, I told God, “If You’re doing something, You might want to let me in on it because this feels like a whole lot of nothing.”
It wasn’t a pretty prayer. But it was an honest one. And I think God can handle that.
Looking back now, I realize He was working. He was softening my heart. He was removing things I didn’t know were distracting me. He was preparing opportunities I couldn’t yet see.
But in the moment? All I felt was stuck. Forgotten. A little mad.
Here’s what I’m learning (slowly, painfully, and usually in hindsight):
1. God’s Work Isn’t Always Obvious
We want burning bushes. God often gives breadcrumbs. He rarely shouts. More often, He whispers. Through Scripture, through wise friends, through quiet nudges that don’t seem that impressive—until later.
2. Stillness Doesn’t Equal Silence
Just because God’s not doing what you want doesn’t mean He’s doing nothing. The silence isn’t absence. It’s often invitation—to lean in, to trust deeper, to believe that He’s faithful even when your circumstances feel stale.
3. “Good” Doesn’t Always Mean “Comfortable”
We read “God works all things for good” and assume it’ll feel good, look good, and wrap up with a bow. But sometimes “good” means growth. Sometimes “good” is a closed door that protects you. Sometimes “good” is the long road that builds your character, not your resume.
4. Faith Is Built in the Unseen
We say we want faith—but faith doesn’t grow in the glow-up. It grows in the grind. When you keep showing up even when you don’t feel it. When you trust God’s heart more than your own timeline. So if you’re in a season where God feels quiet, where nothing seems to be happening, where your prayers feel like they’re bouncing off the ceiling—don’t check out.
He’s still working. The God who knit you together in the womb isn’t suddenly confused about your next step. The God who split the sea isn’t stumped by your situation.
He’s weaving something you can’t see yet. He’s preparing you for things you’re not ready to carry yet. He’s writing a story that includes this chapter—yes, even this slow, frustrating, confusing one.
And when it finally clicks—when the door opens, when the answer comes, when the fog clears—you’ll see it. The quiet faith He built. The roots that grew deep in the dark. The way all things somehow worked together in a way you never could’ve planned.
So keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep walking with Him, even when you feel like you’re walking in circles.
Because our God? He’s not done, He’s still working!
Hanna Rellar 