I’ve grown to agree with those who say that that God gives us what we need, not what we want. Looking back, I have seen this truth in action. I see it now more and more often because I am eagerly looking back for verification.
When I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer back in ’99, it seemed a very long time to get from the first fearful visit to a primary care doctor, until I was finally scheduled for emergency surgery almost four weeks later. The surgeon said I’d need a temporary colostomy. I replied, “No way.” I gave in, of course. A year later, it was reversed. I got what I needed, not what I wanted - and it saved my life. It also humbled me a great deal, and taught me a lot about all the folks who endure lifelong ostomies.
Back in ’94, I lived in an area where the bottom suddenly dropped out of the job market. My mother lived in a nearby state. She coaxed me into moving there for work. I did not want to do this. I wanted God to find me a job where I was. Little by little, he took away the options until it seemed the wisest move was to move. I did. It was the best move I ever made. It was not what I wanted, but what I needed.
I should be able to know the difference between prayers for wants and prayers for needs by now. But I am a mere human and I still pray for my wants. And then God taps me on the shoulder and says, “Here is what you need!” Lord, please help me to be more patient in accepting what is right for me when I pray for help.
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