It’s Better To Wait On God’s Best Than Settle for Less

Ever been in a relationship, made a move, tried something or accepted a position and thought it was “just right” only to later realize it was all wrong?  Sometimes, the “ah-ha moment” occurs at the right time and we’re able to retract our “yes.” Other times, unfortunately, reality sets in a little too late and we ask ourselves, “How did I end up in this situation,” and/or we try to figure out a way to un-do our wrong or regretful decisions.

Eventually, we reach a point where we admit to doing it our way instead of God’s way. You would think since we were created by God we should trust that He knows what’s best for us, right? Well, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always easy to wait and trust; especially when you feel like you’re doing your part but still hopelessly waiting for something to happen. But we’re all human and it doesn’t help that we live in a society where it’s instant everything. So, naturally we tend to treat God the same way and expect instant answers or results. Nevertheless, the older I get the more I learn how much better it is to wait on God than to try and do things my way.

By waiting on God:

You learn how to trust, depend and rely on God.
It’s inevitable – whether intentional or unintentional – people will disappoint you, they won’t always be there when you need them and they will fail you…but God will never fail. Oftentimes we depend on certain people, or even our own strength, talents and abilities alone, to help make things happen in our lives. For example, ever had to search for a new job or a new position and someone tells you, “Call me and I’ll see what I can do,” or “Send me your resume and I’ll put in a good word.” But what happens when you follow-up and you don’t hear back from them, or they forget to put in that good word? Trust and reliability goes straight out the window. Quite frankly, sometimes it’s just a matter of not having enough power, influence or “pull” to make it happen. That’s when you realize God is the only one who has the power to open up doors that man alone cannot open. God has the power to put us in positions so that our talents, gifts and hard work won’t go unnoticed. He has a way of setting it up so that preparation and opportunity meet, leaving others to wonder how it all happened. I’d rather depend and rely on the power of God than the power of 10 men combined.

You listen for and pay more attention to God’s word and His voice instead of man’s opinion.
If we were to be truly transparent, most of us usually pray the most when we’re going through a difficult season or situation…when we really need to hear God’s voice. However, many times we’re inundated with opinions, judgments and/or even unsolicited advice from so many people, which leaves us feeling even more confused. Then, we end up making decisions or try to shape our lives based on other people’s opinions instead of focusing on God’s purpose for our own lives. That’s why we have to cancel out the negative “white noise,” so we can clearly hear what God is saying. When God speaks, listen; whether through signs, His word and even certain people (those you trust).

You realize what you want is sometimes less than God’s best.
There’s nothing like looking back at something (ex-boy/girlfriend, old relationship, ex-friend, former job/position, etc.) and praising God because you later realized that what you once thought was so wonderful and great, actually wasn’t so great at all. Sometimes the end is the best part because it means the start of something greater and better – a better job, a better home, a better relationship or a better journey. Moreover, the same is true even in the opposite way as described in the old adage, “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”

Just because we think it is, or could be, good for us doesn’t necessarily mean it’s God’s best for us. A lot of times we stay in certain situations (whether at work, at home, in relationships, etc.) because it’s convenient and comfortable. I used to spend a lot of time dating certain people for those same reasons but later realized that just because someone or something feels good doesn’t mean it’s good for you. I settled for mediocrity because I was sad and lonely. But settling for “right now” instead of waiting can ruin what God has for you in the future.

You realize God’s timing and His plans are way better than yours anyway.
Ever receive a blessing that was so much more than what you prayed for or expected? When you think of our brain capacity compared to God’s capacity to bless, it’s easy for us to have limited expectations; but with God anything is possible. In my own life, as well as the lives of others, I’ve seen God move and bless others in all kinds of ways.

For me, I consider my husband just one of the many blessings that far exceeded my expectations. It sounds cheesy but it’s true. I knew what I wanted in a husband, and I prayed for those specific qualities and characteristics, but God blessed me with even more. One can only imagine what would’ve happened had I succeeded in trying to force other things and decided to settle for less. That’s why it makes more sense to wait on His timing and His plans because they’re almost always much better than anything we could ever imagine.

We think we know what we want and what’s best for our lives but God has a way of showing us that even though it may be good for us, that doesn’t mean it’s His best. Just the other week, I experienced a specific training based on what I thought I wanted; only to find out it was totally different from what I desire and need at this point in my life. It made me appreciate everything I have and everything I am that much more.

There’s a reason why God doesn’t give us all we ask for or why he allows certain things to happen. We won’t always know why He does what He does, but we must remember and always trust that He knows what’s best for us.

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