“I trust God.”
We say it. We mean it. But so often, the way we live out that trust feels less like peace and more like resignation.
We nod through clenched teeth. We pray, “Your will be done,” while silently hoping it won’t cost us too much. We say we’re surrendered, but we’re braced for disappointment — as if God’s plan, while technically “good,” might not be what we really wanted.
But here’s the truth that changed everything for me:
Real trust doesn’t just accept God’s will. Real trust prefers it.
His will is always better because He is perfect.
I don’t just believe God is in control. I believe He is infinitely wise, always good, and incapable of error. He knows everything that has ever happened, everything that is currently happening, and everything that ever will happen. He knows how the things happening today will affect me and other people tomorrow, next year, and a hundred years from now.
If that’s true (and it is), then anything He allows — anything He gives, anything He withholds — is not just “permissible” or “good enough.” It is perfect. Even if I don’t understand it. Even if it isn’t what I would choose. Even if it makes me very uncomfortable.
“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.”
2 Samuel 22:31
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.”
Psalm 147:5
“In Him we have obtained an inheritance… according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
Ephesians 1:11
When I pray and don’t get the answer I hoped for, I don’t need to be disappointed because I believe this: If I had known what God knows, I would have chosen exactly what He chose.
He not only knows everything but He loves me completely and His love desires my long-term best interests, not just my momentary comfort.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me… You are familiar with all my ways.”
Psalm 139:1–3
“Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.”
Psalm 139:4
“The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.”
Psalm 145:9
He doesn’t just know all the facts. He knows me — my limits, my heart, my future. And He loves me far too much to give me something I’m not ready for, or to withhold something that would be for my good.
“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
Psalm 84:11
My surrender isn’t grudging. It’s grateful.
So many people view surrender as defeat. But biblical surrender is freedom. It’s peace. It’s saying with joy: “Lord, I lay down my will — not because I must, but because I trust Yours more.”
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6
So what if the “No” was the gift? What if it was the blessing?
Sometimes God doesn’t let us win the contest. He doesn’t open the door we wanted. He doesn’t give us the answer we begged for.
And we may ask, “Why didn’t He?”
But what if that closed door was protection? What if that “no” saved you from pride, pressure, or pain? What if your “dream job” would have put you in the path of someone dangerous? What if your “dream house” would have turned out to be a money pit, a terrible burden? What if He withheld the very thing you longed for because He loved you too much to let it crush you?
“The Lord is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works.”
Psalm 145:13b
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God…”
Deuteronomy 29:29
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:9
We don’t need to understand the “why” to give thanks for the “what.”
This is trust: I prefer His will.
“Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Luke 22:42
That’s not resignation. That’s perfect trust.
I don’t want the blessing that would harden my heart.
I don’t want the success that would outpace my sanctification.
I don’t want the spotlight if I’m not ready to carry it with humility.
I want only what He chooses to give — because I believe He knows best. And more than that…
I believe He is best.
I have a couple of big things I’m currently praying for. Each is something that I believe would be a positive addition to my life. And each of those prayers includes the words “but if it is not Your will” because I don’t just accept that God might say “no.” I trust and prefer that He answer according to whatever is best.
If that means He gives me what I asked for, then I will give thanks.
If it means He withholds what I asked for, I will give thanks just the same.
Because I believe with my whole heart:
His no is just as loving as His yes.
I don’t trust Him to give me what I want.
I trust Him to give me what I need.
And He knows better than I do what I need.
So let the world chase wins.
Let the world fear disappointment.
Let the world scramble to control the outcome.
But not us.
Let us walk in peace.
Because we don’t just accept His will.
We prefer it.
a surrendered life 