Why did God not give Jesus exactly what He asked for? Because the Father’s answer was the best for you and me—what marvelous love! Our freedom from sin depended on Jesus taking on Himself the terrible punishment for our sins (Matthew 26:28; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). Thus, when God seems to answer “No,” we can be sure it is because God has a better answer than the one we had in mind.
Paul also received a different answer than the one he repeatedly sought. Despite hardships, his response was, “I am content” (2 Corinthians 12:10). We too learn to trust God. He is the Creator; we are His creatures. He is the Master; we are His servants. He is the Father; we are His children. How much better that His will be honored rather than ours! Besides giving due respect to His rightful position, we rejoice in His answers because He is so good. He only gives good gifts (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17). The general rule is so strong that Jesus states plainly,
I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened (Luke 11:9-10).
We receive what we ask, or better!
In faithful prayer we receive either what we specifically request or something even better. We may not see immediately how everything will work for good, but of this we can be sure: God is still God. God knows best. God is in control. God is good. God is love. God keeps His promises—always!