Day 12 - 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2026

Day 12: Trusting the Unseen God

Scripture Reading:

“Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.”  (Job 23:8–14)

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

God’s silence is not His absence
In Job 23:8–9, we find Job in a state of spiritual disorientation. He looks forward, backward, to the left, and to the right, yet he cannot find a visible trace of God. Have you ever felt that "holy silence"? You pray, you seek, and you examine your circumstances, but God feels absent. It is vital to remember that God’s silence is not His absence. Just because you cannot behold Him working on the one hand or the other, doesn’t mean His hands have stopped moving. Our feelings are not the compass of God’s activity.

The God Who Sees
While Job cannot see God, he grounds himself in a powerful reversal of perspective in verse 10: “But he knows the way that I take.” We may lose sight of God, but He never loses sight of us. He is not a distant observer; He is a purposeful refiner. Job understands that his current trial is not meant for his destruction, but for his purification. When you are in the furnace of life, remember that the Goldsmith never leaves the side of the crucible. He is watching the reflection in the metal, waiting until He can see His own face in you. You will come out as gold.

Obedience is the Greatest Act of Trust
Verses 11 and 12 provide us with a blueprint for how to act when we don’t understand our circumstances. Job’s response to the "unseen God" is not to wander, but to hold fast. He doubles down on obedience, treasuring God’s Word more than his daily bread. When you can’t see the next mile marker, focus on the step you are taking right now. Obedience is the greatest act of trust. We don’t follow God because we see the map; we follow Him because we know the Guide.

The Unstoppable Purpose
The final verses (13–14) remind us of God’s sovereignty. He is unchangeable, and His decrees are final. This might sound intimidating, but for the believer, it is the ultimate comfort. If God has appointed a plan for you, no person, no trial, and no delay can thwart it. Paul echoes this in Philippians 1:6, assuring us that the good work God started in us will be completed. God is not a finisher of small insignificant things; He is the Finisher of our faith! He will complete what He appoints for you.

As we continue in this season of prayer and fasting as a church, use these three steps to lean into trust and obedience:

1. Pray the Reverse: When you feel like you can't see God, stop trying to "find" Him in your circumstances and instead pray: "Lord, I thank You that You see me. Even though I am in the dark, I am fully visible to You."
2. Trade Your Hunger for His Word: Job treasured God’s words more than his "necessary food." As you fast, when you feel physical hunger, let it be a trigger to feast on Scripture. Every time your body asks for a meal, go to the Word instead. Let this fast prove to your own soul that His presence is more vital for your survival than any physical portion.
3. Hold Fast to the Last Command: If you aren't sure what God wants you to do next, do the last thing He told you to do. Stay on the path of obedience (Job 23:11) until the fog clears. Trust that while you are holding onto His steps, He is holding onto your hand.