Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:2-3,6

I think one of the great difficulties in life is letting go of what we think we need so that we can have what God wants for us.

The man wanted money. It’s what he desired. It’s what he thought he needed.
But it’s not what he got. Peter and John’s monetary resources were limited. But the power of Christ that was at their disposal was unlimited. And so he walked.

While the man ended up rejoicing, I can’t help but wonder what he thought when he first heard Peter say that they didn’t have any silver or gold. He was probably disappointed. Silver and gold was exactly what he wanted. But the truth is that if Peter would have had money in that situation, the man would never have gotten to walk. And what’s better: having some money, or being able to walk for the rest of your life?

Not getting what you want or are expecting is never easy. It can sometimes feel like you’re getting shortchanged by God. You can come to believe that you’re missing out on your best life. That you’ve lost something irreplaceable.

But like the crippled man, we have to flip our perspective. We have to understand that if we got what we wanted, it might mean forfeiting what we really need. If God shuts down the thing you desire, it may be because He desires something even better. If God doesn’t do what you’re hoping He will, He must be planning to do something bigger and better.

For example, what’s better:
The relationship you had that you thought would last a lifetime, or the relationship God has for you that He wants to last a lifetime?
The job you really wanted but didn’t get, or the job God has custom tailored for you that’s waiting in its place?

Your destiny never depends on anyone or anything that leaves your life. Or on a desire that doesn’t end up being fulfilled. Let go of what you wanted. Take hold of what God wants for you.

God will never shortchange you. If God has shut down something you desired recently, I dare you to believe that He’s got something better for you on the way.