I Don't Really Want it My Way

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way."

C. S. Lewis

I have heard many, many stories of people wanting something, really believing it was the best thing, praying for it, even begging God for it. And when He didn't respond affirmatively - or in a manner which they considered timely - they wondered where God was. Wondered if He heard them, or cared, or was able to affect their circumstance.
But after they made it through their circumstance, they understood. God's plan was better than their own. Often times they have recognized just how much better His plan was. Like one of the residents I know at Edgewood. She told me this week that when she was in high school her family moved to a different city. And how desperately she didn't want to go. She cried, and prayed, and begged to stay where she was.

But she moved.

And at her new high school she met the young man she would marry one day. The man to whom she has now been married for 73 years!
We chuckled as we talked about what a good thing it was that she didn't get her way when she was in high school. But beyond the surface, I wasn't chuckling.

I will be the first to confess, I have control issues. I like to have a plan. I like to know what's going on. I like to be able to control what's happening. I DON'T like waiting to find out what's around the next corner. I like having things my way.
However, the more I learn about God - about His sovereignty, His perfection, His trustworthiness - the more I realize, I don't really want it my way. I don't want God to give in to my whining and say, "All right, then, have it your way." I don't want to miss out on His best.
I want to trust Him and experience life as He has planned it.

Yes, LORD. Thy will be done!