Finding Peace in the PauseSample

God's Protection

Have you ever thanked God for not giving you something you once desperately wanted—only to look back years later and see how perfectly He protected you?

I remember praying earnestly for a job in a particular location. It seemed ideal, especially with the financial perks it offered. At the time, it looked like the best opportunity. But what I didn't realize was that it came with hidden challenges and unfavourable terms. In hindsight, it would have been a trap. Thank God I didn't get it. Instead, He gave me something far better: the right location and an incredible team.

I also recall hoping with all my heart for a particular relationship to succeed. I believed I had found real love. He wanted to marry quickly, and though I felt pressured, I wasn't ready. Eventually, he moved on and got married to someone else less than a year later. I was heartbroken. But looking back, I now see it was a blessing in disguise. Today, I'm married to a man who waited patiently for me—and continues to show love, grace, and unwavering support in our marriage.

Sometimes, a delay is not a denial—it's a divine defence against unseen harm. God's promises are not only meant to bring us joy but also to shield us from what we cannot see. Just like a loving mother would never give her child fire to play with—no matter how much they cry—our Heavenly Father withholds certain things not to deprive us, but to protect us.

Some of our deepest desires may not align with God's best for us. And as our loving Father, His priority is our well-being—even when it means protecting us from our own limited understanding or harmful choices.

One of the most challenging yet powerful prayers we can pray is: "Lord, let Your will be done."

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Himself prayed this as He faced the cross: "Not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42, NKJV). That surrender brought salvation to the world. In the same way, when we yield to God's will, we enter into His finished work and begin to experience the greater good He has already prepared for us.

It's not always easy, but learning to let go and trust God's plan is a daily practice—one that brings peace, purpose, and divine protection.

Reflection

Can you confidently pray this prayer in faith: "Not my will but Yours, O Lord"? If not, take a moment to reflect. What fear, expectation, or desire might be standing in the way of your surrender? What would it look like to truly trust God's protection—and believe that His "no" might be His loving "yes" to something far better?