Why does it seem like God gives me the opposite of what I need?

Richard Sibbes answers:

God often works by contraries:

when he means to give victory, he will allow us to be hinder at first;

when he means to give comfort, he will terrify at first;

when he means to justify, he will condemn us first;

when he means to make us glorious, he will lower us first.

A Christian conquers even when he is conquered. When he is conquered by some sins, he gets victory over others more dangerous, such as spiritual pride and security.’ (Taken from The Bruised Reed, p.95)

Maturity in Christ grows to realize that God is always working for our good even when, nay, especially when, He seems to seek our harm. May we grow to learn that His cuts are that of a surgeon, not an enemy. May we learn the lesson Spurgeon did: “to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”