Many times I’ve gone to the Lord seeking an answer. But often, if I’m honest, I already carried an idea of how the situation should be resolved.

I remember a strained relationship I prayed about repeatedly. After trying everything, I decided to give up—and secretly hoped God would say, “You’ve done all you can; move on.”

Instead, His answer was the opposite: “Love them and keep doing your part.”

I resisted. I had presented the problem to God, but I was still clinging to my solution—and that made it hard to receive His.

This isn’t new. Naaman (2 Kings 5) came to Israel for healing. When the prophet Elisha gave him a simple instruction, Naaman balked because it didn’t match his expectations—and he nearly missed his miracle (see 2 Kings 5:11).

We pray while quietly scripting the outcome:

• Here is the solution I should receive…
• Here is how the solution should come…
• Here is the person through whom it should come…

Fixation on our plan can blind us to the way God actually intends to move.

1. Ask honestly: “Lord, am I attached to my own outcome?”
2. Lay down assumptions: invite Him to choose the method, the timing, and the messenger.
3. Obey the next step: even if it’s humbling or simple—like loving and staying faithful.
4. Watch for the unexpected: His wisdom rarely follows our scripts.