Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best; God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best, and man will not take it.

The quote by George MacDonald, "Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best; God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best, and man will not take it," explores the tension between human desires and divine generosity. MacDonald suggests that people often struggle to achieve their desires because they settle for lesser things instead of seeking what is truly best for them. At the same time, God desires to provide the very best for humanity, but often people resist or reject these gifts because they do not recognize or accept their true value.

The origin of this quote comes from George MacDonald, a Scottish author, poet, and Christian minister known for his spiritual writings and influence on later authors such as C.S. Lewis. His work frequently delved into the nature of human longing, divine love, and spiritual growth. This particular quote captures the paradox of human limitation and divine grace, emphasizing the challenges in aligning human will with God’s perfect will.

This quote also invites reflection on the nature of true fulfillment. It implies that what we often desire may be superficial or insufficient, whereas what God offers is ultimately the highest good, even if it requires faith and trust to accept. The difficulty lies in letting go of lesser desires to embrace something greater and more meaningful.

In summary, George MacDonald’s statement reveals the disconnect between human wants and divine provision. It encourages seeking the best rather than settling for less and being open to receiving the highest gifts that God desires to give, even when they are not immediately understood or accepted.