What if God Always Gave Us What We Asked For?

Numbers 11:18-20

Garth got it right. Sometimes we need to thank God for unanswered prayers. Have you ever asked God for or at least wanted something really badly and realized later that it was really a good thing you didn't get what you asked for? Sometimes God's grace means he protects us from our own desires.

Anyone who is married can attest to that - the girl that got away only to leave you available when the right one came along. Seniors can give you testimonies - college applications that didn't pan out only to be accepted to the school that turned out to be a great fit. In 1999 I was on staff at a church that was deciding to go from three part time staff members to one full time person. I remember praying that God would change those plans. He didn't. The result was the catalyst I needed to complete seminary and ultimately the opportunity to serve at Northwoods. The other two part time guys that lost their positions in the transition landed in great places as well. God knows what He's doing. God is for us and knows what is best for us...even when we do not.

So the next time God doesn't give you something you really want...thank God for unanswered prayer. After all you could be eating an awful lot of quail.