When God Says No
What should we do when God says, “No”? That’s a good question. I think I’m writing this post for me, though, maybe some of you have wondered the same thing. Dealing with disappointment is always difficult. I tell myself that God knows best and He is always right. I trust Him completely as He has proved Himself over and over. So, why then, do I still feel disappointed when I discover that His answer is not the one I wanted to hear? The short answer is: I’m human. The long answer is: I’m human, I’m flawed and sometimes weak and spoiled. I want things to go my way all the time. To be truly honest, I want my will to be God’s will instead of the other way around! But that’s not how things work.
Recently, my husband and I have had a disappointment as to what we wanted the next bit of our lives to look like. We placed our desire and our dream before God and prayed while we waited for His answer. It seemed as if He were pointing us in the direction we had hoped. Doors were opened – Opportunity knocked, so to speak, and we took steps forward in faith. But then, the door shut once again. Ooooh! Discouragement and disappointment promptly followed. I know, however, that God doesn’t want me to be discouraged. He wants to bless me with His plan. It is the enemy who enjoys my disappointment and I certainly don’t want to do anything that will make that one happy!
So, I ask again, “What should we do when God says, ‘No’”?
The answer is found in His word. God tells us to come to Him and lay everything before Him. He wants us to trust Him for His answer and remember that He “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) Our God is a good and loving Father who will always give us what we need rather than simply what we want. When I am disappointed in His answer to my prayer, I need to remember that His “no” is simply part of his wonderful plan. He sees so much more than I can. He knows the future. He knows what is going to happen in my life and so, when He closes a door in front of me it is for my own good. It is for my protection. It is for my growth. His “no” paves the way on the road to His purpose.
And so, when I am disappointed, I will come to my Father, thanking Him for loving me. I trust Him and I know that He knows what is best for me. I will not worry. Instead, I will receive His peace while I await the revelation of His plan.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
In His grip,
Bless you dear.
Beautiful post, Joan! It is so hard to hear no ar times. At times I want my will to be His will too, but like you said it doesn’t work that way.