His desire was close to coming true when Jesus visited the Bethesda Nursing Home. Jesus asked the question, "Do you want to get well?" Ignoring the obvious, "Yes!" the poolside patient uttered his deepest desire, "I just need someone to get me in the water."

Jesus didn't grant his desire. He did better. Instead of helping him in the water at the magical moment, Jesus recognized the real need and answered in His way, satisfying the deepest longing of the man's heart. He healed his body and offered healing for his soul. Jesus went beyond what the man thought to ask.

Jesus is not a bottle-bound genie summoned to grant every desire. He is, rather, an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present Keeper of divine promises. And His list of promises is more than impressive. It's overwhelming.

[He] satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. -Psalm 103:5

 

No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. -Psalm 84:11b

 

My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19

 

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. -2 Corinthians 12:9

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

Perhaps my definition of these fulfilled promises is a spouse, but God and I often have different ideas about the way my life should be. My 20/20 hindsight leaves no doubt that His ideas are always better than mine.

Excerpted from Living Whole Without a Better Half by Wendy Widder

Copyright Kregel Publications, 2000.