“You Don’t Understand Now — But Someday You Will”

A betrayal we didn’t see coming. A community we thought was safe… suddenly isn’t. A loss that shakes our very identity. And in the quiet aftermath, we whisper questions we’ve carried alone:

• Why did this happen?
• Where was God in all of this?
• How do I move forward when I don’t understand any of it?

Jesus knows that place. In fact, He spoke directly into it.

“Jesus replied, ‘You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.’” — John 13:7 (NLT)

He said this to Peter during an act of unexpected love — washing His disciples’ feet on the night He would be betrayed. Peter was confused. This didn’t fit his understanding of what a leader — a Messiah — was meant to do. But Jesus, full of grace, didn’t scold him. He simply said, “You don’t understand now… but someday you will.”

That’s a holy kind of patience.

And for many women I walk alongside — women who’ve been deeply hurt, who carry grief or confusion from past trauma, high-control religion, or burnout — these words are not just comforting. They are a lifeline.

Making Meaning in the Middle of the Story

In Narrative Therapy, we believe that people are not the problem — the problem is the problem. We also believe your story is still being written. You are not defined by the worst thing that ever happened to you. There is more to you than the chapter you’re in.

Sometimes we need help making meaning in the middle of the story. Jesus offers us this — a grace-filled pause. A reminder that even when we don’t understand what He’s doing, He is still present. Still kneeling beside us. Still faithful.

🖋 Journaling Reflections: For the Chapters That Don’t Make Sense Yet

Find a quiet moment this week to sit with these questions. Let them hold space for what’s still tender or unresolved.

1. What part of your story feels confusing, painful, or unfinished right now?
   You don’t need to make sense of it. Just name it honestly.
   

2. Have there been moments in your past where you didn’t understand something — but later, saw meaning, healing, or redemption in it?
   How might those “someday you will” moments remind you to hold on now?
   

3. If Jesus was sitting with you today, what might He say about the chapter you’re in?
   You don’t need to force answers. Let it be a conversation.
   
   

A Quiet Trust

The invitation of Jesus isn’t always to understand — but to trust. Trust that He is with us, even in the confusion. Trust that this isn’t the end of our story. And trust that someday, in the light of His love, we will see more clearly.

Until then, you are allowed to grieve what you don’t yet understand. You are allowed to be in process. And you are most certainly not alone.

If this resonates with where you are right now, I see you. More importantly — Jesus sees you. And He’s not afraid of your questions.

He’s still gently washing feet. Still showing love. Still whispering, “You don’t understand now… but someday you will.”