Why God Doesn't Always Give You What You Want: Understanding His Will for Your Life

Discover why God doesn't always give us what we want and how to align our desires with His will. Learn to trust in His plan for your life in this insightful article.

Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why doesn't God give me what I want?" It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we pray hard enough or have enough faith, God will give us everything we desire. But the truth is, God doesn't always give us what we want - and there's a good reason for that.

In this article, we'll explore why God might not give you what you want, and what you can do to align your desires with His will.

Understanding God's Will for Your Life

Before we can understand why God might not give us what we want, we need to understand His will for our lives. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse tells us that God has a plan for our lives - a plan that is good and full of hope.

However, it's important to note that God's plan for our lives may not always align with our own desires. In fact, Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." This means that even if we have our hearts set on something, if it's not part of God's plan for us, it won't happen.

Why God Might Not Give You What You Want

So, why might God not give us what we want? Here are a few possible reasons:

1. It's not part of His plan for us.
As we just discussed, God has a plan for our lives - and sometimes, what we want isn't part of that plan. This can be difficult to accept, especially if we feel like our desires are good and pure. But the truth is, God sees the bigger picture and knows what's best for us in the long run.

2. It's not in our best interest.
Sometimes, what we want isn't actually what's best for us. This is especially true when it comes to material possessions or worldly success. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asks, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" In other words, even if we achieve everything we want in this life, it won't matter if we're not right with God.

3. We're not ready for it.
Sometimes, what we want isn't something we're ready for yet. This could be because we need to grow spiritually, emotionally, or mentally before we can handle it. Or, it could be because God has something else in store for us that we need to experience first.

4. We're not asking for the right things.
In James 4:3, we're told, "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." This means that sometimes, we don't receive what we want because we're asking for the wrong things. We might be asking for something that will only benefit us, rather than something that will bring glory to God and help others.

Aligning Your Desires with God's Will

So, how can we make sure our desires align with God's will? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Pray for guidance.
If you're not sure if what you want is in line with God's will, pray for guidance. Ask God to show you His plan for your life and help you align your desires with His.

2. Seek wise counsel.
Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." If you're struggling to discern God's will for your life, seek out wise counsel from a trusted pastor, mentor, or friend.

3. Examine your motives.
Before you ask God for something, examine your motives. Are you asking for something that will bring glory to God and help others, or are you asking for something that will only benefit you?

4. Trust in God's plan.
Even if what you want doesn't align with God's plan for your life, trust that He knows what's best for you. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Conclusion

In conclusion, God doesn't always give us what we want - but that doesn't mean He doesn't love us or have a good plan for our lives. By aligning our desires with His will, seeking wise counsel, and trusting in His plan, we can find peace and contentment even when our desires go unfulfilled.

FAQs:

1. Why does God give us desires if He doesn't always fulfill them?
God gives us desires to help us grow and learn - even if those desires don't end up being fulfilled. Our desires can motivate us to work harder, seek God more, and become the people He wants us to be.

2. Can we change God's plan for our lives by praying harder or having more faith?
No, we cannot change God's plan for our lives. However, we can align our desires with His will and trust that He knows what's best for us.

3. How can we discern God's will for our lives?
We can discern God's will for our lives through prayer, seeking wise counsel, and trusting in His plan.

4. What should we do if we're struggling with unfulfilled desires?
If you're struggling with unfulfilled desires, pray for guidance and seek wise counsel. Remember that God has a good plan for your life, even if it doesn't align with your own desires.

5. Does God ever give us what we want?
Yes, God does sometimes give us what we want - but only if it aligns with His will for our lives. We can trust that if we ask for something that is in line with His plan, He will answer our prayers.