December 9: This Is Not What I Wanted

 THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANT

Key Text:

10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

Exodus 10:10-11

Dr. Terry-Ann Robinson 
Kings SDA Church 

Eva was a talkative 4-year-old girl. She loved dressing up and pretending to be a princess. Her birthday was coming up, and she was looking forward to the present from her aunt Doreen. Doreen gave the most fabulous gifts, especially gifts that Eva loved. She had bought Eva the most beautiful dresses and even little heels that made Eva feel like a princess.

Finally, Eva’s birthday came, and just as expected, Aunt Doreen showed up to drop off the most beautifully wrapped birthday present. As soon as Aunt Doreen left, Eva was ready to open her present. She was so excited that she could not keep still. She was sure it was going to be another beautiful dress or a fancy pair of shoes.

As Eva made the first big tear, her expression of excitement turned to disappointment. She glimpsed something she was not expecting - a book. Eva picked up the book and threw it aside. “This is not what I wanted”, she grumbled. Even more disappointment came as she opened the rest of the package and found five (5) books. “This is NOT what I asked for and NOT what I wanted”, Eva walked to her room, leaving all the books on the floor. She was engulfed in disappointment.

Before we judge Eva, let’s pause. How often do we do the same with God? How many times do we complain about the things God gives us because they are not what we wanted?

You pray for your dream job only to be turned down or offered another job you really didn’t want. You ask God for a tall, dark young man, and instead He sends a short, not-so-dark man right in your direction (or vice versa). You ask for an easy day, yet the day seems full of struggles.

God knows what we want, but more than anything, He knows what we need. Your life is orchestrated by Him, even though it may seem rough, you are not alone. He is with you, and what He leads you to, He will lead you through. Embrace what God sends your way and see how He is shaping you into who He wants you to be.

Months later, Eva became the top reader in her class. What seemed disappointing was actually preparation for greatness. Likewise, the very thing you’re resisting may be the key to your growth and breakthrough.

Reflection Questions

• What “unwanted gift” has God placed in your life recently?

• How can you trust His wisdom over your desires?

• Are you willing to embrace His plan even when it looks different from yours?

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You when life doesn’t look like what I wanted. Teach me to embrace Your gifts, even when they come wrapped in unexpected ways. Thank You for knowing what I need and for shaping me into who You’ve called me to be. Amen.