A common train of thought is that if we do our spiritual disciplines, go to church, and live a good life, we will be rewarded by God meeting all of our hearts’ desires.
Not so fast!
Case in point – St. Peter. One day, when all was well, he made a simple request of the Savior. It seems, on the merits, to be a request from a well-meaning heart: “Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now?’” (John 13:37).
Prior to that request, Jesus had said that he (Jesus) would need to walk alone in the next chapter of his life. Peter wanted to be with him, to offer comfort and friendship. Peter wanted spiritual intimacy.
But the answer was no.
Here’s the lesson: there will be times in your life when you can’t understand why you can’t do what you want to do.
And that’s okay. God’s occasional “no” is simply his way of reminding you that the purpose of prayer is not to find blessings; it is to find God.
Recovery Step: In recovery, if you seek answers, you will often be frustrated. Instead, seek God, and the answers will find you.
