As young Christians, we often find ourselves wrestling with the question, "Will God fulfill my desires?" It's a question born from the tension between our aspirations and the uncertainties of life. Yet, amidst this paradox, there lies a profound truth: God is actively involved in fulfilling our desires, albeit in His own time and in His own way.
A book to read
Reflecting on Personal Journey
I, like many others, grew up nurturing numerous desires. It's only in hindsight that I realize how God has graciously fulfilled most of them. Amidst the journey which has been a paradox of colossal dreams and equally colossal impossibilities, I've witnessed the subtle hand of God bringing desires to fruition, one by one. However, within me lies another paradox - the distinction between God-desires and personal desires.
Understanding the Paradox
The fulfillment of God-desires often aligns seamlessly with His plans, unfolding beautifully in our lives. However, personal and carnal desires, sometimes linger in the shadows, evoking occasional ache as they seemingly remain unfulfilled. In my life, as these carnal desires lay in hibernation, some of them gradually morphed into a thorn; a thorn He refuses to remove. Hence, I have learned the art of digging graves, burying these burdensome desires, grieving them, and moving on to working towards my God-desires.
Navigating the Paradox
In grappling with this paradox, I've learned to embrace the practices of surrender and trust. I've discovered the necessity of digging graves for desires that hinder my spiritual growth, burying them with a heart of acceptance and gratitude. Though these desires may never come to pass, I find solace in redirecting my focus towards God's perfect will. I know that this paradox will remain for life. But I will keep digging graves for desires that lose their hold over me in the presence of His love and keep burying them. I wil look up to Him with thankfulness for all the desires He has fulfilled and look to the future in anticipation of all the desires I know He is going to accomplish.
Embracing God's Promise
Psalm 20:4 encapsulates the essence of our journey:
"May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed."
While this verse offers assurance, it also invites us to align our desires with God's purposes. Through unwavering faith and patience, we can confidently entrust our aspirations to God, knowing that His timing is impeccable.
Will God Fulfill Your Desires?
The Prerequisite for God to Fulfill Your Desires
Psalm 37:4 says,
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
This verse unveils the prerequisite for God to fulfill our desires: delighting in Him. Delight is not merely an emotion; it is a posture of the heart—a deliberate choice to find our ultimate joy and satisfaction in the Lord. It requires a shift in focus, from the fleeting pleasures of this world to the eternal treasure found in God's presence.
This transformation is not instantaneous but a journey—a daily surrender of our will to God's will. It necessitates seeking the kingdom of God first, as Jesus taught in the Gospel of Matthew 6:33:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
When we prioritize God's kingdom agenda—seeking His righteousness, pursuing His glory—we discover that our desires become intertwined with His divine plan.
However, this journey is not without its challenges. It requires a constant battle against the distractions and temptations that vie for our affection. It demands humility to acknowledge that our desires are often flawed and self-centered, in need of refinement by the Holy Spirit. Yet, as we yield to His leading, we find that He not only fulfills our desires but exceeds them, lavishing us with blessings beyond measure. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 73:25-26,
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Biblical Examples
Throughout Scripture, we encounter numerous examples of individuals whose desires were fulfilled in remarkable ways, serving as testimonies to God's faithfulness. One such example is the story of Hannah, a woman who fervently prayed for a child despite facing years of barrenness (1 Samuel 1:1-20). In God's perfect timing, Hannah's desire was granted, and she bore a son, Samuel, who would become a great prophet in Israel.
Similarly, we witness the journey of Joseph, whose dreams of greatness seemed shattered by betrayal and adversity (Genesis 37-50). Yet, through God's providence, Joseph's desires were not only fulfilled but surpassed as he rose to prominence and played a pivotal role in the salvation of his family and the nation of Egypt.
Put Carnal Desires to Death
Colossians 3:5 says,
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
Confronting Carnal Desires
These words echo with profound significance, calling us to confront the reality of our carnal desires and the necessity of putting them to death. Carnal desires, rooted in the fleshly nature of humanity, encompass a spectrum of temptations—from lustful passions to materialistic cravings. Left unchecked, these desires can entangle us in sin, hindering our spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
Carrying the Cross
The process of putting carnal desires to death is not merely a passive endeavor but an active, intentional pursuit of holiness. It requires a willingness to carry our cross, surrender our fleshly inclinations at the feet of the Cross, crucifying the selfish desires that seek to usurp God's rightful place in our lives. As Paul declares in Galatians 5:24,
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Crucial to this process is the cultivation of spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation—that fortify our resolve and deepen our dependence on God. Through these means, we are empowered to overcome the allure of carnality and embrace the abundant life that Christ offers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pathway to desire fulfillment begins with delighting in the Lord—a conscious choice to make Him our supreme joy and treasure. As we seek His kingdom first and surrender our desires to His will, we discover that He is faithful to grant the desires of our hearts. Yet, above all, may our greatest delight be found in Him alone, for He is the source of all true satisfaction and fulfillment.
If you buy this book using the reference link! You support our ministry. We recommend this book WHERE IS GOD, WHEN IS HURTS is a classic that answers some of the hard questions of life. We recommend this book to all our readers.
