Unanswered prayers, life not going as expected, plans cancelled for a variety of reasons. Today plans to leave the house came to a halt because this is what it looks like outside my window:

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything went as planned, if each day came together as we outlined, if all our wishes came true. Um…maybe not.

Many times when I really, really, really wanted something and didn’t get it, I felt unlucky, upset, cheated, ignored by God. Then, looking back, I thanked God it didn’t happen.

Sometimes weather thwarts our plans, sometimes other obstacles block our way. Maybe all for the good.

H.E. Manning said: Whatsoever we ask which is not for our good, He will keep it back from us. And surely in this there is no less of love than in the granting what we desire as we ought. Will not the same love which prompts you to give a good, prompt you to keep back an evil, thing? If, in our blindness, not knowing what to ask, we pray for things which would turn in our hands to sorrow and death, will not our Father, our of His very love, deny us? How awful would be our lot, if our wishes should straightaway pass into realities; of we were endowed with a power to bring about all that we desire; if the inclinations of our will were followed by fulfillment of our hasty wishes, and sudden longing were always granted. One day we shall bless Him, not more for what He has granted than for what He has denied.

I took the below photo in Glastonbury, England. A lovely psalm to read whenever the homeowner or guest walks into the house.

Ultimately, God causes the snowstorms (like today) that keep us inside, a block that stops us from continuing down a certain pathway. But He also gives all that we need.

And this poem/prayer says it all:

For His great love has compassed
Our nature, and our need
We know not; but He knoweth,
And He will bless indeed.
Therefore, O heavenly Father,
Give what is best to me;
And take the wants unanswered,
As offerings made to Thee. Anon.

It’s good to surrender our lives to God, allow Him to direct our paths, and stop us from seeking wrong things. He knows best what we need.

Matthew 7:9-11 Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!