Trusting God When Our Prayers Are Answered Differently

Have you ever prayed for something and suddenly, it feels like God does the complete opposite of what you asked for? I know I can’t be the only one.
A lot of times we, as children of God, ask for things with an idea in mind of how we expect God to give us these things. We forget that God knows us better than we know ourselves. This means He knows the best way to teach us things we need to learn.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knot me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:13

So not only does He know us, but He created us.

Now, if He knows me then why does He not just give me what I ask for? I feel like what I asked for specifically is pretty reasonable and it’s something that will improve my life and the people around me. I know you are probably wandering what it is I asked for. Well, I asked our Father to help me make better financial decisions and cook more. Simple. All He had to do was put that in me while I was sleeping and I wake up the next day then boom! It’s done. I am now financially free and the best cook in the world.

No.

I woke up and I was still me. A twenty five year old woman, still trying to figure out life and still ordering DoorDash every night. However, something did change. After fighting in court with my ex husband, I was now hard pressed for cash. I was still responsible for my bills and now on top of that was lawyer fees and I am still a mom of a growing toddler.

I feel pressed.

I feel as if the walls of life are closing in on me. So, I do what I can do. I pray to God. Not only do I pray, but I surrender to the season. I sat down and wrote out a budget. Everyday is a struggle not to focus on the bills. However, I made it a thing to pray every time I think about it. I sat in silence and realized that I may be pressed, living check to barely making it, but I am now doing the things I prayed to God to help me with.

I am cooking every night. I deleted all the apps that causes me to impulse buy and just buy out of laziness. God had used my irresponsibleness for good. He heard my cry for help and helped me.

In the moment, I couldn’t see what He was doing because I wasn’t focused on Him. I was locked in and focused on my problem and that is what the enemy wants us to do. However, if we keep our vision locked on our Father, He will help us.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Mathew 6:33

He never told us to seek our needs or wants. He simply said to seek Him. When we are laser focused on God, He will provide our needs because He cares for us. So, when you feel pressed by your situation, just stop and think about what God is teaching you.

Journal Challenge

Write about one thing this week that made you feel stressed. How do you think God is using this situation to help you progress?

Just think on this as you get through this week. Remember, pressure makes diamonds.