What to Tell Yourself When You Want Things to Go Your Way
Confession: I will always be a little like a 5 year old girl in pig tails who wants things her way. I may have had a toddler moment this week with God where I pitched a fit. It was not pretty. I can hear Him whisper, “I know you want things to go your way, but I want you to trust me.” And, I just want to stick my fingers in my ears and say NO at the top of my lungs.
Currently, I am walking through the hardest season of my life. My bratty self wants to kick and scream and tell God how He should fix things. I don’t want to listen…. I just want all the good stuff on my plate. No vegetables please.
Here is what I am learning — I can’t wear a frowny face all day when things don’t go my way. Pitching a fit and crying myself to sleep doesn’t solve a thing.
So today, I am waving the white flag. No more emotional meltdowns. No demands. I am just going to crawl up into my Father’s lap and let Him lead me. I am going to be quiet and listen. I am going to trust that He knows better than I do.
Are you struggling to put your big girl pants on right now? When you don’t get what you want, sometimes the tendency is just cross our arms and pout. A tiny voice inside us says, “God I hate this. Make it go away.”
“Mine!” This is the word the heart holds tightly and won’t let go. My kids. My job. My health. My marriage. My dreams. It’s mine, and I want it the way I want it.
Friend, I get it. I really do. Sometimes it feels like God is prying open our hands and taking away what we are holding on to for dear life. We are clinging tightly to all the broken pieces and refusing to let go.
In case you are struggling with your inner little monster like me, I want to share 3 things I am reminding myself to help me embrace the will of my Heavenly Father.
When You Want Things to Go Your Way, tell yourself this:
God knows what is best for me, and His way is often beyond my limited understanding. (Isaiah 58:8-9)
Our Heavenly Father comprehends more than we do what is good for us. The eternal God has a broader, fuller, completer perspective of our present reality.
- “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God’s plans for my life cannot be foiled or frustrated by temporary problems.
No one can withhold from us what God has purposed for our lives. The Almighty’s will is unstoppable.
- “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2, ESV)
God’s fierce love never forsakes us or leaves us alone to figure things out.
God is near; He walks with us through the hard stuff and provides every thing we need. Our Deliver is fighting for us — even if we feel like we are losing the battle, He is Faithful and True.
- “God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great Your faithfulness. I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks.” (Lamentations 3:22-25, MSG)
I’ve created a one-page printable with 10 Scriptures to help you remember your God is bigger than bad days. Download a copy and read through these sweet promises to help you brave it and get going this week. Every morning, you can sit at His feet and strengthen your walk as you remind yourself your faithful God is in control. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
I am a slow learner sometimes. (But at least I look kind of cute in pig tails).
Friends, if we eat our vegetables, we will get stronger.
Maybe someday we will get to graduate from kindergarten faith, but for now let’s stay at His feet and keep learning. . .
With God’s help, we can move forward with hope and turn our frowny faces upside down. Every faith-filled decision we make will help us persevere. While the rest of the world is kicking and screaming, we will be singing His praises loudly for everyone to hear.
God wants to grow us up and strengthen our resolve so that His redemption can be revealed through us.
Let’s Chat: What Scriptural truth helps encourage you when you want things to go your way, but it’s not happening?
WANT THINGS TO GO YOUR WAY, BUT feel uncertain about what to do?
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I know what it’s like to have melt-downs and throw fits, Lyli. I’m so thankful for the promises you list here and Job 42:2. Nothing, absolutely NOTHING, can stop what God has purposed for me and for you. Thanks for the reminder, friend.
That verse has been an anchor for me during this season. Love you, friend.
I honestly cannot take my eyes off that little girl Lyli picture! Maybe we’re all protecting our little selves with our insufficient coping methods.
I am working on taming my inner spoiled brat with the Holy Spirit’s help. It’s hard work!
I’m guilty, too, of those inner child temper tantrums sometimes. Some years ago, I did a Bible study of phrases like “own way,” “own thoughts,” own heart,” etc. It was quite enlightening. Though our desires might seem perfectly reasonable, God’s will and timing are best.
Me, myself, and I are always the wrong way to frame my thinking. Thanks for this reminder.
Oh your little girl photo!!! Praying for you all …
Praying sister, I am so incredibly thankful for you and your friendship. Big hugs.
Yes you are cute in pig tails! And yes it can be easy to have a spiritual temper tantrum, But God is a good Father therefore a temper tantrum is of no use. It is much easier to sit in His lap, listen and learn what He has to teach. Great post, Many Thanks 8)
Welcome here, Debra Jean! His lap is definitely the best place to be. Thanks for this reminder.
I think we are all still that 5 year old girl. Or at least fighting against her.
Glad to know I am not alone in my kindergarten faith. HUGS
Thank you for your walk in faith and honestly sharing what we all feel and go through in different seasons of our lives. Knowing I am not the only one who struggles with ‘life’ circumstances even when I thought my faith could move mountains is a spiritual support. You, your family, and your ministry are in my prayers.
Praying for you. HUGS