You make some good points, ADVRider! Allow me to respond to some of them.
"As I was recently pondering along the lines of God's will, I realized that while it is perfect and good, often we are not in a place to receive it. What is required is the transformation of our thoughts and heart so that we are aligned with what God desires." I agree completely, and I think this happens very often when it comes to things like divine healing. Over the years I have encountered a number of believers who seemed unable to receive healing because they simply didn't know how to receive from God. For instance, I have heard Christians say they don't deserve to be healed, etc., as if any of God's blessings are dependent on whether we deserve them. So in this case, a transformation of one's thoughts is definitely needed to receive the healing that God desires.
"I am just saying there are many times believers strive for things that are, in reality, their will, as opposed to God's." I agree this happens a lot, especially when it comes to specific things we want rather than general things that are promised in the Scriptures. For instance, we know God wants all His followers to have a godly spouse, so it would be perfectly fine for a believer to pray, "God, I know you want me to have a spouse who is walking with you, so I pray that you send me the man/woman of God you have for me." But sometimes a believer will meet someone they think is the right person for them without praying about it or seeking God's will in the matter. After my husband proposed, we waited a week to get engaged so we could hear from God if He really wanted us to marry. Alex was going to give me the ring after the Sunday service, and we sensed God's confirmation during the sermon that we were in His will.
I think it is always safe to pray for anything God specifically promises us in the Word.
"I also believe there are mysteries in the will of God that work character, perseverance, faith and trust in our hearts." Absolutely, and Job is a great example, as is Joseph. On that note, I love the following Scripture: "Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character" (Psalm 105:19, NLT).
I really liked what you said about it never being the Father's intention to hurt us. There are many believers who say that God intentionally sends calamity, sickness, etc., to teach us lessons. What I believe is that God does not send these things to His children but allows them for our ultimate benefit and for His glory. His desire is for us to have life in abundance, while the enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy.