We may not always get exactly what we want when we pray. Thus, do not be surprised when we pray for relief or guidance if God responds with an assignment.

¹⁸ And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. ¹⁹ However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” ²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in ^[a]Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled. (Mark 5:18-20 NKJV)

It has been said often “God works in mysterious ways.” It is such a well worn saying that just beginning to type it here and the sentence was finished for me before I was half way through. But in retrospect, what we may think is mysterious at first becomes very clear at the outcome. Just because God does not necessarily respond the way we expect does not mean that He is not working. He may not simply give us what we want, but puts us on assignment so that either we may learn and grow or through our actions we may impact others in ways we cannot see.

God waste nothing. Thus, what we experience and what He directs us to do is in His plan for the world as a whole. It truly may have nothing to do with us at all. It may be something far greater or far smaller that we simply have no insight into. But God works all things to His plans.

Reflect on: Things God lead or is leading you to do that may not make sense right now. Know that it is part of a far bigger plan.