Aligning Our Desires with God’s Will

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3

In the previous devotional, we reflected on the importance of trusting in the unseen promises of God—those eternal truths that are rooted in His will, not our own desires. Today, we take a deeper look at a common pitfall many face in their walk of faith: the tendency to impose personal desires on God’s promises.

Many of us have been guilty of this: we find a scripture that resonates with us, even if it’s not directly related to our situation, and start quoting it, hoping to claim it for ourselves. While it is certainly good to stand on the promises of God, we must be careful that our faith is not based on our own desires or manipulations. Faith is not about finding verses that support what we want and using them as a formula to force God into fulfilling our agenda.

James 4:3 reminds us that when we ask with selfish motives—when we seek things that are only meant to please ourselves—our prayers are not aligned with God’s perfect will. God is not a genie who grants wishes based on our desires; He is a loving Father who knows what is best for us. Sometimes, we may ask for things out of our own impatience, insecurity, or misplaced priorities, but God’s answer is often shaped by His wisdom and love, not by our preferences.

It’s important to remember that God’s promises are given according to His will, not ours. This is where true faith comes in—not in manipulating scripture to fit our desires, but in surrendering our will to God’s perfect plan. Faith means trusting that what God has promised, He will bring to pass in His time and in His way.

Consider again the example of Abraham: He didn’t impose his own timeline or desires on God’s promise of descendants. Although he struggled with impatience at times, he ultimately trusted that God’s timing was perfect. God fulfilled His promise to Abraham when the time was right.

Likewise, Joshua did not assume that his victory over Jericho would be the same as any other battle. He didn’t claim a promise from God based on his own wisdom but followed God’s specific instructions. His victory came when he surrendered to God’s plan, not when he tried to manipulate the outcome to his own liking.

So today, take a moment to reflect: Are you asking God for things that are aligned with His will, or are you trying to make His promises fit your own desires? True faith means trusting that God’s plan is greater than ours, and His promises are always for our ultimate good.

Father, I confess that sometimes I try to impose my own desires on your promises. Help me to seek your will above my own, and to trust in your perfect timing and plan for my life. May my faith be rooted in your truth, not in my own agenda. I surrender my desires to you today, knowing that your ways are higher than mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.