One of my favorite songs is Garth Brooks’ “Unanswered Prayers.” The general premise is that, in hindsight, he didn’t get what he prayed for. Instead, he received a different and better blessing than he could have ever imagined. While I’ve experienced this many times as well, I have also experienced being completely overwhelmed by my blessings. The very thing I prayed for is pushing me, prodding me, needing me, driving me crazy. I sometimes find myself longing for the days when my prayer was unanswered.

Here are some things this has taught me:

The Israelites longed for freedom from the slavery of Egypt for over 400 years. When freedom was granted, the journey to the promised land was difficult. They longed for their days with Pharaoh rather than trusting the God who freed them. They grumbled and wished instead of thanking and trusting. Gosh, I sure have found those passages in Exodus to be a painful mirror. I prayed to be led into a land, dream, program, job, child, etc. that God would show me and then felt completely overwhelmed when the prayer was answered. I longed for quiet nights, predictability, security of bondage, and on and on until I just grumbled.

Here are same things I’ve learned:

1. Prayers that take a while for you to get your answer sometimes need some time because you need preparation. You need to be ready to handle the ins and outs that come with the prayer being answered. You may be completely unaware of these aspects. One of my favorite quotes comes from Joyce Meyer. She said, “Stop wanting what other people have unless you’re willing to do what they did to get it.” Learn about what you want. Become more prepared while you are waiting for it and again when you get it. Want a mate, become the best version of you. Read relationship books by solid authors. Listen to podcasts. GET OFF of TikTok unless you know the people behind the post.
2. Answered prayers bring growth if you let them. Are you experiencing some pain? Is someone asking you to change how you do things? Are you still trying to run the way you did in an earlier season in a new season? Be teachable, flexible, and trust the process.
3. It’s worth it. Celebrate those answers to prayer. Give thanks, even, no-especially in the stretching, and keep praying!

What is a blessing that you prayed for that, though you were thankful, seemed overwhelming or required you to grow when you finally received it?