Open Arms CLT https://openarmsclt.org Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:07:28 +0000 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:07:28 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com When the Promise Doesn’t Look Like the Process https://openarmsclt.org/blog/2025/07/02/when-the-promise-doesn-t-look-like-the-process Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:09:35 +0000 https://openarmsclt.org/blog/2025/07/02/when-the-promise-doesn-t-look-like-the-process

Learning to Trust God When Life Feels Like a Plot Twist

You know that moment in a movie when everything’s going wrong, and you’re yelling at the screen like, “This isn’t how it’s supposed to go!”?
Yeah—life feels like that sometimes.

Especially when you’re holding on to a promise from God but everything around you screams “problem.”

In this powerful installment of our Problems vs. Promises series, Pastor Justin breaks down what it means to trust the Promise Keeper—even when the process looks nothing like the promise.


“The promise does not exempt you from the process.”

—Pastor Justin Griffith

God Never Wastes a Wilderness

Let’s be real: waiting is hard. Especially when you were expecting a straight line to your miracle, and instead, you get circles in the desert.

But here’s the truth:

Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
And just because it’s delayed doesn’t mean it’s denied.
God’s promises are still good. His word still stands. He’s just doing some shaping in the middle.


“He promised it, but He didn’t say you wouldn’t go through something.”

—Pastor Justin Griffith

What If You’re the Problem?

Yeah... we went there.

Sometimes the problem in front of us isn’t a test from the enemy—it’s a test of our own trust, obedience, or mouth (yep, we said it).


“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

—Proverbs 18:21

Ask yourself:

Am I speaking faith or fear?
Am I moving forward or murmuring in place?
Ouch. But also... amen.

Stay in Position

What if the breakthrough is already on the way—but you’ve wandered off from where God told you to stay?

  • Stay planted.
  • Stay faithful.
  • Stay tuned in.

Don’t let frustration move you out of alignment.
Because sometimes the miracle meets you at the place of your obedience.

Final Thought: Trust the Promise Keeper

Here’s the good news: God didn’t just make the promise—He keeps it.

When the Israelites were stuck between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, it didn’t look good. But God made a way.

And He’s still making ways.

Even when you’re frustrated. Even when you feel forgotten. Even when nothing makes sense.


“God, I can’t always trace Your hand, but I trust Your heart.”

—Pastor Justin Griffith

Hold the promise close. Hold the Promise Keeper closer.

Check Out More

  1. Watch the full sermon above.
  2. Join us in-person or online for Sunday Service.

3 Quick Ways to Apply This Week

  1. Read Romans 5:3–5 and journal how suffering has shaped your hope.
  2. Speak life this week. Catch your complaints before they come out.
  3. Revisit Proverbs 18:21 daily as a reminder of the power of your words.
]]> Trusting the Promise Keeper (Even When the Wait is Long and the Way is Hard) https://openarmsclt.org/blog/2025/07/02/trusting-the-promise-keeper-even-when-the-wait-is-long-and-the-way-is-hard Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:07:28 +0000 https://openarmsclt.org/blog/2025/07/02/trusting-the-promise-keeper-even-when-the-wait-is-long-and-the-way-is-hard
What do you do when God gives you a promise, but it feels like He ghosted you? You heard Him clearly, you stepped out in faith—and now you're staring at your circumstances like, “Umm, Lord... you still there?”

In Part 4 of our Problems vs. Promises series, Davida Rivens served up a timely, Spirit-filled word that hit straight in the soul. If you've ever felt discouraged waiting on God's promises or questioned His presence in the middle of your problems—this one's for you.

What If the Problem Is the Path?

You know that verse in Psalms that says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly” (Psalm 37:23)? Yeah. We love that one—until those “steps” start looking more like detours, dead ends, or delays.

Davida reminded us that the promise isn’t cancelled just because the process is uncomfortable. In fact, the process IS part of the promise.

Sometimes God says "wait" because He’s doing heart work in hidden places.

"Sometimes it’s not about getting to the promise, it’s about what God is doing in the middle.” —Davida Rivens

"Sometimes it’s not about getting to the promise, it’s about what God is doing in the middle.” —Davida Rivens

Real Talk: It’s Okay to Be Frustrated

Let’s normalize this: You can love God and still feel frustrated in the wait. You can be obedient and still be confused. You can be faithful and still cry out, “Why isn’t it happening yet?”

That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

But here’s the thing—God isn’t put off by your honesty. He already knows your heart. So bring your whole self to Him. Ugly cries, journal pages full of questions, even the days you feel like giving up. He can handle it.

Truth to Anchor You When the Waiting Gets Heavy

Here are a few promises Davida highlighted that are worth writing on sticky notes or adding to your phone background:

“For we are God’s masterpiece…” —Ephesians 2:10
“I am here to help you.” —Isaiah 41:13
“He gave the right to become children of God.” —John 1:12

Translation: You are seen. You are chosen. You are held.
God’s promises don’t expire.”

How to Actually Trust the Promise Keeper

Let’s break it down. Trusting God in theory is one thing. But how do you actually trust Him in real life when things don’t make sense?

Here are a few truths to hold tight to:

God doesn’t forget.
What He spoke over you wasn’t a suggestion. It was a promise.
God doesn’t rush.
He’s never late, but He’s rarely early either (we know, we know).
God doesn’t waste.
The in-between? The waiting room? It’s doing more than you think.
So no, you're not crazy. You're not forgotten. And you're definitely not alone.

Let's Talk About It

What’s something God promised you that feels far off right now?

What’s a way you can choose to trust Him this week—even when your feelings say otherwise?

We’d love to hear your story. Comment below, tag us @OpenArmsCLT, or send us a DM.

You’re not the only one walking through it—and that’s the whole point of community.

Ready to Go Deeper?

Watch the full sermon here.

Download the fill-in sermon notes. 

Join us next Sunday in person or online! We’d love to worship with you.

Related Scriptures to Meditate On This Week:

Psalm 37:23
Isaiah 41:13
John 1:12
Ephesians 2:10
James 1:4
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