why won’t god just do what i want?

Have you ever been angry with God? Not confused. Not disappointed. Angry. Angry because life didn’t go the way you expected. Angry because God didn’t step in like you hoped. Angry because if God really is who people say He is—gracious, powerful, loving—then why didn’t He act differently?

You’re not alone. Jonah felt that.

In Jonah 4:1–4, Jonah watches God show mercy to a people he thought didn’t deserve it. And he’s furious. The Bible says, “It displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry” (v.1). Jonah even tells God, “Isn’t this why I ran? Because I knew who You are—gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love” (v.2). Jonah wasn’t mad at what God did. He was mad at who God is.

And many people—especially those wrestling with faith—feel the same tension. You may not say it out loud, but deep down you wish God would “code switch” for your situation. That He would adjust His character to fit your expectations. Change the rules. Bend His will. Show up on your terms.

Jonah ran. He bargained. He withdrew. He got bitter. But God asked him a question that cuts right to the heart:

“Do you do well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4)

It’s as if God gently asks us:

Is your anger helping you heal?

Is your disappointment bringing you peace?

Is your frustration drawing you closer to me—or pushing you further from me?

Here’s the truth Jonah had to learn:

God is who He is—even when we don’t want Him to be.

And surprisingly, that’s good news.

Because the same God Jonah was angry at for being too merciful…

…is the same God whose mercy reaches toward you.

The same God Jonah accused of being too patient…

…is patient with your doubts.

The same God Jonah didn’t want to be gracious…

…offers grace to you before you ever ask for it.

If you’re wrestling with faith, hear this:

God isn’t asking you to clean yourself up, pretend you’re not frustrated, or manufacture belief. He’s inviting you to be honest—because He already knows. And He meets honesty with compassion.

The God who wouldn’t “code switch” for Jonah won’t stop being Himself for you either.

And that’s not a limitation—that’s your hope.

Because His character doesn’t shift…

His love for you doesn’t either.