Trusting God Even When Others Don’t

Have you ever felt like the odd one out in your own family, classroom, workplace, or friend group—just because of your faith?

Maybe you’re the only one praying over meals, going to church on Sundays, or trying to live by the Bible when no one else seems to care. Maybe they mock you, roll their eyes, or just quietly ignore your convictions. If you’ve ever felt alone in your faith, I want you to know this:

You’re not alone. Jesus knows exactly how that feels.

Want to Go Deeper?

Check out the UnPerfected Life Podcast episode on this topic and download the free Family Devotional that goes with it.

Jesus Was Misunderstood—Even by His Own Family

We tend to picture Jesus’ life surrounded by people who believed and followed Him. But that wasn’t always the case—especially not with His own family.

In Mark 3:21, when Jesus’ family heard about the crowds and miracles, they tried to take Him away saying, “He is out of His mind.”
Yes—you read that right. The Son of God, healing people and preaching truth… and His own family thought He’d lost it.

In John 7:5, it says plainly:

“Even his own brothers did not believe in him.”

Imagine how painful that must have been. Jesus loved them deeply, but they didn’t understand who He was. They mocked Him, doubted Him, and brushed off His purpose.

And in Mark 6:4, Jesus returns to His hometown and says,

“A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.”

Rejection wasn’t just part of Jesus’ mission from the crowds—it came from the dinner table. From siblings. From neighbors. And He still kept going.

Don’t Give Up—Jesus Didn’t

Here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t walk away from His family.
He didn’t yell. He didn’t stop loving them.
But He didn’t let their disbelief stop Him from fulfilling His calling.

He stayed faithful to the Father. He kept teaching, healing, and loving—even when they didn’t understand.

We’re called to do the same.

You may be the only Christian in your family. The only person praying in your classroom. The only believer on your job site. And it’s hard.

But hear this: Your job isn’t to change hearts. Your job is to live faithfully.

People Can Change—Just Look at James

One of the most powerful parts of this story is what happens after Jesus’ resurrection.

In Acts 1:14, His brothers are suddenly gathered with the disciples, praying.
What changed?

1 Corinthians 15:7 tells us:

“Then he appeared to James…”

Jesus showed up personally to His brother. And James went from skeptic to church leader. He even wrote the Book of James in the New Testament and became known as James the Just—a man deeply devoted to righteousness.

Jesus didn’t pressure him. He just kept showing up.
And in God’s perfect timing, James believed.

That should give you so much hope. Just because they don’t believe today doesn’t mean they never will.

You Are a Witness—Not a Savior

It’s easy to carry the burden of “What if I say the wrong thing?” or “What if I can’t convince them?”

But you’re not the Savior. Jesus is.

Your role is to be a witness—to keep loving, keep showing up, and keep pointing to Jesus with your words and your life.

In John 4:43–54, a government official begs Jesus to heal his son. Jesus does. And then the father goes back and tells his family what happened.

“He and his entire household believed.” (John 4:53)

Why? Because one man believed and shared what Jesus had done.

Your testimony matters.
Your faithfulness matters.
Even when others don’t believe.

This Is Your Mission Field

You may not be called to move across the globe as a missionary—but you are called to bring Jesus into your everyday relationships.

Your family.
Your school.
Your workplace.
Your group chat.

God put you there for a reason.

So don’t be discouraged when others don’t believe. Don’t give up.
Keep praying. Keep living like Jesus.
And trust God with the rest.

A Prayer for You

Jesus,
Thank You for understanding rejection.
Thank You for staying faithful when those closest to You didn’t believe.
Help us do the same.
Strengthen our hearts when we feel alone in our faith.
Give us grace to love others well, and boldness to share what You’ve done.
And Lord, we pray for our families and friends who don’t yet know You—open their hearts, and use us to point them toward You.
In Your name, Amen.