Wanted?

Last month I shared with my writing mentor that I was burned out and struggling, I felt overcome. Her response surprised me.

She asked me if I dreamed. I came to the conclusion that I didn’t really dream anymore. Somewhere along the way I confused dreaming for what I wanted and loved.

Webster’s defines dream as: A. a series of thoughts, feelings or visions. B. An idea or vision that is created by your imagination. Sometimes By trying to be somebody, we become beautiful messes.

Thus, we confuse our wants with needs. That is what this blog will focus on, the difference between what we need and what we want. The apostle Paul could testify to this, he experienced a similar battle (Romans 7:14-15).

Wanted?

Webster’s defines want as, “To have or feel a need, or to desire.” If we really need something we can’t live without it. If we’re alive to want it —it’s not a need, just a want.

Fear not, we all have them; they can be big or small. As summer draws to an end I can say it didn’t turn out as I wanted. There were road trips I didn’t take, relationships that didn’t work out and career plans that fell through. No, I didn’t get what I wanted and they weren’t bad desires.

Still, God didn’t give me what I wanted. It’s okay, because many of our heroes of the faith never received what they wanted either (Hebrews 11:32-40).

I know it was best I didn’t get some of my desires, because I know one of them may have been more trouble than it’s worth, I was in over my head. At this point in my life I pray God, don’t bring that trouble into my life.

I can trust His plan, but my heart is wicked.. . my desires are selfish. This is why we must pray God’s will for each other and not what we want, guard your heart.

Unfortunately, there are many who believe as long as I pray for something in Jesus’ name I get it whenever I want it. But the hard truth is Scripture is clear, to those who wait on the Lord and His timing, there is a blessing (Isaiah 30:18).

Wait for it?

It’s been said, “It’s hard to wait around for something you know might never happen. But it’s even harder to give up when you know it’s everything you want.” There are still times I forget God knows best, I don’t have to worry; He knows what I really need. I just have to wait for it, it’s a hard love.

Instead I get distracted by pursuing what I want. I forget life is about getting more of God, not getting what I want, we won’t be here long. I’ve been playing games with God. Games are for kids, but lasting relationships for grown-ups. Fortunately God isn’t surprised by our mistakes; He gives grace even when things don’t work out like we wanted.