Monday, March 21, 2011

God Knows Best

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. -- Psalm 139:6

The town where I live has a small arts and crafts show each spring. I generally purchase a booth. I don't make a great deal of money but I enjoy seeing so many people that I know. Frankly, it's fun.

A few years ago God told me not to do this show. Really. It was like He was standing right in front of me and shaking his head. I begged and pleaded. Still, God's answer was no. I submitted to His will. I didn't send in my application and money. I was disappointed. I was really unhappy. I didn't understand why He didn't want me to participate in this wonderful event.

That year the rains came. The area where the event is staged was flooded and the event was canceled. Had I gone ahead and applied, I would have lost my booth fee. God told me not to participate because He knew what was going to happen. He was looking out for me and I greeted His help with a major attitude. And, yes, I did apologize and thank Him.

Isn't that frequently how it is? We want something so badly and yet God refuses to grant our wish. He just says no. I'm not talking about the big stuff here, like life and death. Though, I know from experience, that sometimes He says no on those issues too. I'm talking about the smaller stuff: jobs, relationships, even a special trip.

Walking with God means that sometimes we don't get what we want. Sometimes God has a different plan, a better plan, for us. We must remember even in the midst of our disappointment that God always wants to bless us. He wants to give us good things. It's just that what is best for us may not seem apparent right now. We may not even understand it until we get to Heaven. We just have to trust in His love and wisdom and know it'll all be okay. That we'll be okay.

I've never regretted following God but I sure have regretted not following Him. Even when it hurts.