Today I was reflecting on a song by Garth Brooks called “Unanswered Prayers” and how much I love the lyrics! One of my favorite lines is “some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”
I thought back to college when my boyfriend and I became engaged. My roommates and I all seemed to be dating guys that year that weren’t…let’s just say…the best for us. When I got a strong feeling that I needed to call off my engagement it was one of the hardest things I had ever had to do. I was heartbroken and I constantly wondered if I was just being too “picky.” It took me another year to really get into dating again and I remember many, many prayers that things would change and we could make it work out. Prayers that he would want to “change” for me. Prayers that after some time had passed we would end up dating again. Prayers that the “feeling” that he wasn’t right for me would go away. I had no idea what God could see at the time that I was praying so hard. I had no idea that he saw someone far greater for me. I had no idea that my husband-to-be was actually a much better match. I didn’t even know I could marry someone so humble, so kind, and so inspiring until I actually met him. I love to watch my husband be a dad and the dedication and patience he gives our daughter. My mom said to me once, “he is seriously one of the best dads I have ever witnessed,” and I’m so grateful for his willingness to help out in all aspects of her care. I consider my husband one of God’s greatest gifts in my life and I will forever be thankful for unanswered prayers back in college years ago.
Colby and I when we were pregnant with our first
I also thought back to when I was ten years old and how desperately I prayed that my parents would get back together. For years it was my number one goal, and I put all my energy and efforts into praying for that outcome, and in trying to convince my parents that it would make our family the happiest. At that time that I prayed so hard for what I thought was the best thing for me, I didn’t have the vision for my life that God did. For in his vision he saw a step-dad that would love and adore my mother and all of her children. He saw two broken families that would one day unite and heal together. And now years later, I have 7 step siblings that I feel have been part of my life since the beginning, and a step-dad that has been a father for me in more ways that I initially thought possible. I love my real father and I pray for him often, but I also thank God for another gift that came from unanswered prayer.
I thank him for having the wisdom years ago when I lost my first pregnancy to know that the experience would strengthen me. I thank him for allowing me to endure my heartache even though I asked again and again that somehow there was still another baby inside of me. I thank him for his perfect knowledge, for knowing the perfect timing that my children should come into my life, and for insisting that I be patient and rely upon him.
Many times I have received great and wonderful answers to my prayers, but some of the greatest things in my life are the prayers that were unanswered; and I thank God for helping to mold and shape me into who I am.
Here is a beautiful song for any mother that has ever lost a pregnancy:
Here is the Garth Brooks song in case you haven’t heard it:
https://youtu.be/7umsq5n1THw
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Talai says
That was such a sweet post. You and Colby are so great together and we are so lucky you are a part of our family. You are an answered prayer for me: that my brothers would find a wonderful, fairhful girls to marry. I agree with you too, many of my greatest blessing came from unanswered prayers. Love you!
Kelly says
One of my favorite songs- It always makes me grateful! Awesome post.
Heidi Bauer says
I think you are amazing Kristina! You are a special girl and have a gift for writing and communicating such love!
Trisha says
I think a lot if times we are asking him over and over again for a matchbox car and He is patiently saying, “Just give me your will and I will give you a the sweetest sportscar you can’t even imagine right now.” Great post! Love you!
jana says
Very sweet Kristina. Love your posts.
Brittany says
Beautifully written thank you for sharing.
Jamie @ Prepared to Eat says
I often think of that song as a reminder that God knows best, too.
Aanika says
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing! And yes it’s so true isn’t it.. sometimes its easy to forget that our Mighty Father knows the plans he has for us, and we just have to remember to trust in Him. Thank you for the reminder and thanks so much for linking up! I’m very excited to read more! Praying you have a wonderful weekend! Xx
Bonny @ TheDomesticatedPrincess.com says
This song was popular when I was a senior in high school, and I loved it, but it wasn’t until years later that I realized just how meaningful and true those lyrics are! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hillary says
Beautiful songs, brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.
Erika says
I am SO not a post crier. Like, at all. But oh my gosh, you hit the nail right on the head with this one.
I feel like I could have written this exact post. Miscarriage? Check. Divorced parents and the best (step)dad ever? Check check.
Thanks for reminding me that when things aren’t going my way or how I think they should be going (currently the stage of life I’m in at this very moment), that Heavenly Father has such a better plan for me.
Heidi says
What a great post, Tina! I’m grateful for my unanswered prayers as well. God sure knows what’s best for us!
Kelli says
I just found your blog. I think I like you. 🙂
My husband is also “God’s better” and actually his BEST for me when I was once in a similar place as you were. He’s one of life’s greatest gifts to me and I can’t imagine being married to anyone else. I’m so thankful.
Also, I suffered two miscarriages before bringing our two beautiful boys into the world. I had never heard that song before and it really ministered to me. Thank you so much for sharing it!