“Whether we like it or not, God intends to give us what we need, not what we now think we want.” C.S.Lewis
I was recently talking with a friend who had a plan they had made for themselves and they had done all in their power to make it happen. But despite their best efforts things didn’t go the way this friend had planned. It was heartbreaking and disappointing for them and understandably so. But as we sat talking all I could hear was a voice in my head reminding me that when we have done all we can do it is then that we need to be willing to turn the rest over to God and trust that if things didn’t go as we had hoped it is because God has something far better in store for us.
I also thought about the Garth Brooks song “Unanswered Prayers”. I love the words to the chorus that go:
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
It is so true. We pray for what we see as the best possible option in the moment, but the reality is that our vision is limited to what we know today and so often there is so much more that we couldn’t possibly know yet still out there…we simply don’t have all the information to be able to see that there is a much bigger and better option for us and we just don’t see it yet. And when that is the case, God withholds giving us what we asked for so that He will be able to give us that bigger and better option he wants us to have.
“God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day.” -Louie Giglio
We are so blessed to have such an amazing Heavenly Father who loves us enough to give us what we need and what He knows will bring us the greatest joy and happiness. If it weren’t for Him we would all end up settling for what we thought our lives could be, and our lives would end up being nothing compared to the masterpiece God knew they could be. That’s why we have to trust Him. We have to do all we can in our power to get the things we want and then trust the outcome completely…after all we can do we must let go and trust God…have faith!
~Amy Rees Anderson
5 Comments
So true – how often I have prayed for something I thought would be the best for me – it didn’t happen and then later I was on my knees thanking God that he said no. I have learned to pray now, “Please do this, God or something you know is better.” My life motto has come to be, “God gets to decide anyway so give it to him right away and let him deal with it.
I love everything you write.
This concept is a tough one.
I fell into the trap of believing that whatever I wanted, I would never receive. I heard this over and over and was attempting to prepare myself to actually do the right thing. God gives us what we need, never what we want, right? I believe that God knows all and understands all. I also believe that he loves me and will give me what is best for me. The trap was not believing that maybe, just maybe what I wanted was and is just what I need. I didn’t trust myself and my self-worth.
It was a trap because I ended up choosing a wrong path, not believing that God wanted to give me what I wanted, even when He flat out told me that it was the right thing. I believed that maybe I was shooting to high in my expectations/ambitions, that I wasn’t good enough.
Recently it was revealed to me the trap I had got caught in, and I was devastated. I thought I had ruined my life, the true path that I was supposed to take. To my surprise, I found out that the thing that I wanted, and truly need is still available. BUT the consequences to get it are and will be the hardest thing I have ever done. I have received confirmations that the thing is still right, but it will be harder to get it at this point.
I believe
I’m sad. l had a scan today that says i’m having a girl and i want a boy because i have a daughter already.
Im praying that you see that when you are Given (what I believe one of the BEST) of ALL of Our God’s greatest blessings we EVER receive in life….THAT of A CHILD…..our child….our blessing straight from heaven….that HE will give you a quick turn about in your ❤️ heart. I know my child is THE BEST GIFT HE ever gave me in life….my greatest blessing that nothing compares with short of SALVATION….and his grace & mercy….and I know that this child will be the same for you. When you see those precious windows to the soul in your child’s eyes….I can guarantee all else will fade and your heart will be so full of life and wonder at the marvel of creation itself….that all you will be able to do, at that point, is thank HIM over and over because HE trusted to put that little girl in YOUR arms and let her rest in your arms and be trusted in your arms for the time she gets down here on Earth….and the time you get to spend with her while your still around, as well. Because life is but a vapor. It’s just a moment and I pray that you give glory to God for that moment and cherish the time you both have together…that God given amount of time…. because remember that HE gives and HE also is the one that can take away, so don’t turn this blessing into a curse by speaking something over it that is as small of a detail as the color of the babies eyes or hair maybe. Count blessings for what they are .. blessings. I love you sister and I felt the same but in the reverse order and God knew what I needed bc I’m was given the lost perfect present the day I have birth and also was diagnosed with cancer during delivery. Started chemo shortly after and I’m a survivor now but man how small the Matter of boy or girl was once a second later…in a vapor of a moment….God felt me the blow of colon cancer at 35 yrs old. So, remember that you only have a small moment of time down here sojourning on Earth and I pray you see God’s grace,peace, mercy, and mostly love while you have your blessings. Amen. Amber Carter