“Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will make Your ear attentive.” Psalm 10:17 NASB
As a young man Dan wanted to be a missionary. He hoped to serve as a career missionary along with his wife. But his marriage didn’t work out. Not only was he devastated about his marriage, but he felt that his divorce disqualified him pursuing missionary work ever again.
Many years later he remarried. Not long afterwards the newlyweds had the opportunity to take short-term mission trips with his church to the Caribbean islands to serve with teams in various construction projects, Bible studies and sharing the Good News about Jesus. In this way he was enjoying a kind of missionary work he longed for years ago.
I remarked to him that God brought him full-circle to see the desires of his heart fulfilled. He grinned and nodded in agreement how the Holy Spirit had worked in such a way in his life.
“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NASB
“You have given him his heart’s desire, and You have not withheld the request of his lips.” Psalm 21:2 NASB
God can and does turn things around and use them for your good and His glory while fulfilling the desires of your heart. When plans go off course, hopes are dashed, hearts are broken, or things just don’t work out as you expected, don’t think that’s the end of it all, the end of the story. That may only be the beginning.
Be alert. Watch how the Lord may be working through many circumstances to open better opportunities than you hoped for. Trust in Him.
Be hopeful. You may end up on a better team, with a better job, or a nicer house. The Lord loves to give good gifts to His children.
Be patient. It could take years. God does not operate on our time schedule. We must remember “that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” (2 Peter 3:8, NASB). But it will be worth the wait!
“May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill your whole plan!” Psalm 20:4 NASB
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be alert, be hopeful, and be patient!
By Karen Huffaker
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• The Desires of the Heart – by Roy Lessin
• The Desire for God – by Andrew Murray
• Transform My Heart– by Phil Ware