Scripture teaches that it is God's will that all be saved. Not a fond wish, a desire, a forlorn dream, but His will.
So then the question becomes this - can God bring about all His holy will, or can He not?
My brother, I think I understand your question. You are likely referring to these two passages:
NIV 1 Timothy 2:4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
NIV 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
First, the words translated "wants" and "wanting" in the passages above do have a range of meaning which include desire and wish. From a linguistic point of view, your assertion cannot be proven.
But more importantly, the heart of your comment and question remains. Even if the words can refer to a desire rather than an unalterable determination, why can't God get what He desires?
Before applying this to the issue of universal salvation, let's remember that MANY things happen which God does not desire. Children are sexually abused. Women are raped. Civilians are slaughtered, gassed, and burned up. Terrible injustices occur every day. Christians are imprisoned and tortured for being Christians. Does God desire these things? Of course, not. Yet they happen. We need the Bible to deal realistically with the world we live in. A world where tragic things happen which God does not desire.
But since God is all powerful, how can this be?
I believe that God has many desires and that some of these desires conflict. In this way, God is like us. I desire my daughter to be home with us. But I also desire her to get a good college education and be prepared for all He may call her to do. So I sacrifice having her here for a higher good.
I believe something similar is happening with God. God does desire that all people be saved. But God also desires that we be made in His image. And an important part of His image is the ability to truly love as He loves. And that kind of love, I believe, requires a type of free will which allows us to reject God. Perhaps God views it as better to have a world where only some are saved, but those who are saved are capable of true, Christ-like love, than a world where everyone is saved, but we cannot love as He loves.
Does love require free will? I think so. I explain why
here.
Grace and Peace, Mark (with Hope and Joy!)