In theory, we know that God has a plan for us. He loves us and wants us to be happy. It’s easy to say “Thy will be done” because He wants the best for us. Even though we know all of this to be true, in practice of living our daily lives, we don’t see road signs pointing out God’s plan. And, very infrequently do we hear the voice of God telling us what to do. We’re constantly trying to discern His will for us, but we’re often flying blind.
And, when we face a major decision or a crossroads, all we know is the outcome that we want, hoping that it’s God’s will as well...only to find out that it’s not. Whatever it was that we thought we wanted, even if it would’ve been good for us, it wasn’t what God wanted. Or, at least it wasn’t when God wanted it.
When this happens, view it as a situation to humble yourself, as an opportunity to grow in virtue. It’s a chance to order our lives toward God, to freely give up our own ‘demands’ and open ourselves up to His will.
Instead of feeling discouraged or angry, we must turn with great fervor and acknowledge that it simply wasn’t God’s plan. And, there’s comfort in that. Maybe the thing that we thought was good and that we wanted would’ve actually been bad for us. Maybe God saved us from something. Or, maybe God’s got something better coming...
Trust in the Lord takes humility, patience, and trust.