Satisfied: Why Getting What We Want Is Not the Answer

by Hadassah Treu

You prayed. You trusted. You believed it would happen. But what if it doesn't?

Hadassah Treu thought she knew what would make her life a loving marriage, motherhood, health, and the future she had carefully imagined. Instead, the years brought marital distance, infertility, panic attacks, painful medical treatments, and the lingering consequences of a decision she desperately wished she could undo.

As one hope after another slipped beyond her control, Hadassah faced a question she could no longer Is God still good when he does not give us what we want?

In Satisfied, Hadassah tells the deeply personal story of a marriage strained by grief and disappointment, a consuming longing to become a mother, and a faith tested when prayer seemed to produce anything but the expected answer. Her journey leads through anger, forgiveness, surrender, and the difficult discovery that even a good desire can become the place where we look for the satisfaction only God can provide.

But surrender does not mean the end of longing. For Hadassah, it becomes the beginning of something healing in her marriage, a new understanding of motherhood and fruitfulness, and a life no longer dependent on circumstances going according to plan.

Honest about disappointment without offering easy answers, Satisfied is for anyone who has prayed faithfully, waited hopefully, and wondered what to do when the answer still seems to be no.

When the life you wanted is not the life you receive, can you still discover that what you have is enough?

Genres: Memoir, Christian Non Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed this author for years, yet this is the most vulnerable and personal her writing has ever been. I feel like I know her even better now than I did before through this memoir. I won't reveal too much, but I will say that she endured trauma, marriage problems, and a long season of infertility. Yet God used these trials to refine her faith and draw her closer to him. Her testimony is a powerful truth about finding satisfaction in the Lord first and foremost, then we can find more contentment in our circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be.

[Crysti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because, in an effort to bring hope to others, Hadassah has bared her soul. I don’t always see things the way she does (theologically), but I greatly admire her candor and vulnerability.

I admire Hadassah’s sharing from her heart about her struggles, crises of faith, and marriage. It’s so relatable. She has a gift for describing how she learns and grows, how she applies scripture and finds both inspiration and solace in it. Throughout the book, the message shines through: how important it is to find our worth, satisfaction, and wholeness in Christ and not in a partner. Her transparency is laudable.

Hadassah offers expressions of profound joy and hope in God’s ability to work through ALL circumstances (including challenges, difficulties, and heartbreaks) and ultimately bring about goodness and accomplish God’s purposes in us. Satisfied is a beautiful (and intimate!) treatise on marriage, intimacy, and finding our worth and satisfaction in Christ.

[Patsy Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Reminder That True Satisfaction Is Found in God Alone

What happens when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we hoped? "Satisfied: Why Getting What We Want Is Not the Answer" is a heartfelt, honest, and deeply encouraging exploration of that difficult question.

Through her personal journey of disappointment, loss, longing, and surrender, Hadassah Treu reminds us that even our most heartfelt desires—good and God-honoring desires—can become the very things we look to for fulfillment, rather than the One who alone can satisfy our souls.

What makes this book so meaningful is its message that surrender doesn't necessarily mean our longings disappear. Instead, it means learning to trust God's goodness even when His plans look nothing like our own. It's a beautiful reminder that our joy, peace, and contentment are not found in getting everything we want but in knowing and trusting the God who knows exactly what we need.

I have found this to be true as I pray over my prodigal with the book "Prodigal Prayers" from InstaEncouragements.com. Many of the prayers I pray over my prodigal, I also need to pray over myself. Hadassah's book has been an encouragement to me because we truly don't always get everything we want in the way we want it (or expect it), and in the timing that we think is perfect. We must be satisfied with God's way, His timing, and His answers.

"Satisfied" is a wonderful encouragement for anyone walking through a season of waiting, unanswered prayers, or unexpected disappointment—like praying over a prodigal. The book points readers back to a timeless biblical truth: Our circumstances may change, our dreams may go unfulfilled, but God remains faithful—and He is always enough.

[DONNA MILLER · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I had read Hadassah's previous book, "Draw Near" and it ministered to me so much, so I was excited to see the author came out with this new book: Satisfied: Why Getting What We Want Is Not the Answer. This is an incredible read for anyone who is walking through a tough season of unanswered prayers, grief and the deep ache that comes when God *feels* silent in our pain. This author not only pointed me to Jesus, but Jesus Himself pulled me closer to Him as I immersed myself in this book. There's no doubt, this author has been with Jesus and this book is HIM richly ministering to us through Hadassah's words.

This book will really speak to the vulnerable places of your heart and will encourage you to keep pressing into God even when you can't see the way out of your situation. One thing I'm learning in my journey is nothing can ever take away what I have in Jesus, no matter what season I find myself in. I pray for God to bless this author immensely. Despite her painful upbringing, the incredible, sudden loss of her beloved husband and unanswered prayers to become a mother, this author has a childlike trust in God and is choosing to let Him not only write the next chapter of her life but to use the comfort she received from Him to comfort so many others.

Hadassah is an inspiration to me and I highly recommend this book if you desire to draw nearer to God. Both of these books will help you reframe your circumstances through God's filter and will breathe new life, fresh hope and a sweet gratitude that will help fuel your resiliency in Christ to keep following Him.

[Ufuoma Fijabi · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Hadassah's latest book - 'Satisfied: Why Getting What We Want Is Not the Answer' gave me fresh perspective about gratitude and trusting God wholeheartedly. While it's easy to trust God when everything is rosy, how do we really respond when our prayers remain unanswered. Hadassah's honesty and vulnerability in this book about her marriage, infertility, unmet expectations opens your heart to the hidden struggles and unseen pain others are going through. I loved how she took us on her journey of finding God in the midst of her challenges, and how that season brought her into a place of prayer and study of the word. My major highlight from the book is her getting a word for each situation, praying about it and trusting God to work on her behalf. And then God giving her clarity about motherhood and mothering through her gifts. How beautiful to know that sometimes, it's never about us or the challenges, but what God wants to do and God bringing glory to HIS name through that situation. I was really blessed reading this book. Thank you Hadassah for sharing your inspiring and life-changing story.

[Michele Vrabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfied is a deeply honest and beautifully vulnerable memoir that takes readers into the painful places of unmet dreams, infertility, marital struggles, anxiety, and loss. Hadassah Treu does not shy away from the questions, anger, disappointment, and wrestling that can come when God seems silent, making her story incredibly relatable for anyone who has ever wondered why their prayers have not been answered. What makes this book so powerful is the transformation that takes place as Hadassah learns to surrender her expectations, release her need for control, and discover that true peace and fulfillment are found not in getting what she wants, but in knowing God. Her story is a powerful reminder that God can bring healing, redemption, and new purpose from even our deepest heartbreaks. Satisfied will stay with you long after you turn the final page and encourage you to ask yourself the life-changing question: What if God Himself is the satisfaction I have been searching for?

[Stacey Pardoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ministered to me deeply during a time when I was wrestling with God. While dealing with a debilitating medical issue, seeking direction for the future, and sorting through the disappointment of a shattered dream, Hadassah's words pointed me to Jesus. Through her vulnerable personal narrative, she reminded me that God does his most transformational work in the difficult seasons of life. So often, we ask God to change our circumstances; meanwhile, God has greater plans. He wants to change our hearts, using even the most painful situations to shape us to look more like his Son. This book was a beacon of hope in a time when I deeply needed it!

[Maree Dee]

Satisfied is a powerful and deeply honest book. Hadassah Treu vulnerably shares her journey through longing, disappointment, and unmet desires while continually pointing readers back to God.

I especially appreciated the reminder that true satisfaction isn’t found in finally receiving what we’ve hoped for, but in discovering God’s peace and presence amid what remains unfulfilled. Any woman who has wrestled with wanting something deeply and wondering why God hasn’t answered as she hoped will find encouragement in these pages.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone walking through grief, the loss of a dream, or a season where God seems silent. Hadassah shares her story and what she learned from walking through the deepest valleys and the art of true surrender to God.

This book really ministered to me and encouraged me to keep pressing into God even when I don't understand His plan for a certain hardship in my life. It was encouraging to see through Hadassah's testimony that God does His work in the valleys of our lives.

I highly recommend this book to anybody who is going through loss and wants to draw nearer to God.

[Deborah Rutherford · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

“Satisfied” chronicles author Hadassah Treu's marriage to her beloved Thomas and the visceral grief she grapples with during the harrowing journey of abortion, infertility, and the complexities of marital intimacy. Yet, amid such profound anguish, we see God’s love and His divine calling on her life. Treu reaches a pivotal threshold: will she trust God, let go of her past and expectations, and embrace His good plan? In "Satisfied," we experience the joy of new beginnings, redemption, second chances, and the beauty born from ashes.

[Gayl Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Satisfied: Why Getting What We Want is Not the Answer" is a poignant yet hope-filled memoir. The author shares her journey from disappointment and despair to joy and peace. Her life has not been easy, but through the ups and downs, she is learning to trust God and His timing. If you are dealing with infertility, grief, marriage woes, or any type of trial, this book will throw a lifeline to help you discover the way to peace, even when you don't get what you thought you wanted.

[Gladys Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfied made me wrestle with a question we don't always want to face: What if what I've prayed for is also what I've come to believe I need to be whole? Hadassah's honesty about infertility, marriage, disappointment, and unanswered prayer challenged me to look at my own desires differently. I finished the book reminded that surrender isn't about wanting less, but about discovering that God Himself is enough.

[Alisa O’Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadassah Treu writes with vulnerability and authenticity, walking her readers through some incredibly challenging life situations. Through it all she points back to God—in the breakthroughs and the bastions, the highs and the lows, Hadassah shows readers how to work with God for their best life according to His plans, not theirs.

[Angelina Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I’ve prayed before and not gotten what I thought I wanted just to be confused or upset. This book is personal, encouraging and a must read. It will have you stopping and truly aligning yourself not just with prayer but with God whom you are praying to. This book was and is very helpful in navigating the feelings that go along with unanswered prayers. A wonderful read.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfied highlights the rollercoaster of emotions experienced while walking through dark valleys. Hadassah's journey pushed her physically, emotionally, and spiritually, pushing her beyond her limits. This book shines a light on the silent struggles so many women face and offers encouragement through those dark valleys.

[Alexis · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

"Satisfied" is a riveting read filled with depth, real-life stories from the author's experiences and a lot of heart. This book would be most helpful to women who are in the author's target audience. It will inspire hope in their hurting heart.

[Nichole Suvar · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Once again, Hadassah has written and honest and encouraging book stemming from hard-fought lessons from her own life. If you're struggling to see the good in the middle of your hard, Hadassah's words are the ones you need to read.