That's Not What I Wanted...

Sometimes things don't quite go our way... Maybe the timing wasn't right for us to have that thing we so desperately desired? Have you ever stopped to think that you, me, we are what stands in the way of truly experiencing the desires of our heart? The reflection in the mirror can be our own worst enemy.

I have pondered on this question a lot lately. Am I the common denominator in the misfortunes of my heart? Do I limit God by trying to control every arena of my life? I think the answer is: Yes!

I tend to ask God for large things but I'm not always willing to take a back seat while He works it out. I do my own meddling and tweaking when He just wants me to be still and trust in Him. In the process of doing His job and mine, it seems that I neglect nurturing my relationship with Him. I find myself so busy with His work that I can be numb to His voice. That's a scary and unpredictable place to be.

Life happens and sometimes plans change but that doesn't mean that He's not there. We must put our complete trust in Him and know that He will work all things for our good. God's plans are bigger than our desires and He knows where every path will take us. I mentioned in a Bible Study just last week that we must yield our desires to His and learn to adapt a "not my will but thy will" mentality. Where I may desire a 5 bedroom house and in ground pool, God may desire me to have a 3 bedroom house with only room for an inflatable kiddie pool. I was of course speaking metaphorically but none the less, He saw an opportunity for a lesson.

I laughed out loud when He showed me His sense of humor on the subject just days later.

I am striving each and every day to not become a creature of habit, to not let my DNA decide how I will live and react to situations. I am learning to re examine that status of my heart on a frequent basis. Stress should not rule our lives and disappointment, though inevitable should not dictate our will to dream and plan. So often, I fail the tests God gives to me because I respond to disappointment too quickly. I need time to process so I will not give the wrong response with the wrong attitude. Our feelings aren't always accurate and choosing to react before sorting them out typically causes more harm than good.

So, you wanted something so bad you could taste it but God said "not right now?"....

What are you going to do? How are you going to respond? The true test of your character is now. His answer may change in the future but maybe it won't? The reaction you have to this time will no doubt determine the outcome of next time.

Don't allow your disappointments to become your undoing! God is still here and He wants to unfold blessings in your life but sometimes, we have to be ok waiting. I know what you're thinking... "I hate the waiting room" but every now and then, you can find peace and restoration through your waiting process, just trust God... He's never failed you yet!

Re-evaluate your heart and keep on serving Him. When your heart is right with God and you are following His will, in due time He will give you the desires of your heart. I know this to be true and have experienced it time and time again. Doing the right thing never goes out of style. Be honest with yourself and those around you as you take extra time to process disappointment. God always knows best and He will absolutely never fail you.

XOXO -Denisha