High Position of Believers
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
The day had been much longer than expected at the RV dealership and a second night of camping was in order. The kids had behaved well cooped up inside the service waiting area. That evening we treated them to a swim in the dealership’s neighboring campground pool but were forced to cut it short by the darkening Florida skies.
On our way back to the camper, we passed a playground. The kids begged for just a few minutes of playtime. They wanted it badly and quite frankly, they deserved it. We had asked for far more than any 4, 6 and 9 year old should be expected to give. But my husband and I glanced at the now ominous sky and knew we had to tell them no. We continued walking back to our camper hoping to make it before the skies opened up.
Just as my husband snapped a couple of quick pictures of the awesome sky, the storm began. If we had allowed the kids even a few minutes on the playground, we would’ve been caught in the storm walking back. As hard as it was to say “no,” we knew it was the best decision.
I have experienced the same thing in my prayer life. Many times I have prayed for something I felt I deserved. I have prayed for things I wanted that I believed were for the best. Still, God said no. Sometimes I see the reasons. But for other prayers, the “no” remains a mystery.
Trusting God when he says “no” requires faith that He is sovereign. Charles Spurgeon once said, “We do not walk by sight and faith, but ‘we walk by faith not by sight.’ To let us occasionally see would, in fact, remove us out of the realm of faith, and bring us down from the high position of believers to the low platform of sight-seers.”
When God doesn’t let us see the reason to the “no” answer, He walks us on a faith journey, showing us that He knows best and has a plan for us.
Have you had a “no” answer recently in prayer? How did you respond? Will you walk by faith from the high position of believers?
In Christ Alone,
Dana
What an awesome word for me today. That is so very true. Many times I see prayers answered for others, but not for me, and I wonder why. My prayer request is Godly, and still He says no. Trusting Him isn’t always easy, but it is the only way. Thank God He fills us with peace, even when we don’t get the answer we want. Thank you for your devotion. Blessings to you!
My spam word this morning is ‘forgiven’…If I feel that God does not answer my prayers, I always have to remember that He knows what is best for me. Although at times hard to swallow, I want to walk by faith and trust Him with everything.
Thank you for your words of encouragement – love what you shared from Charles Spurgeon.
This is a great reminder to realize how much we need to fully trust God for everything. So many non-believers want to ‘see’ something before they will believe in God and it just won’t ever be that way. They will have to read His Word and realize that we have to live by faith. Charles Spurgeon’s quote is a good one.
Thank you for this post Dana. I’m in the midst of what seems to be a no right now. My attitude… it could use some adjustments. This post is just what I need for today.
Thanks so much for this, be blessed.
Dana, there have been times when the answer to my prayer is no. But recently, it seems to be …not yet.
I am learning to walk by faith. Keeping my eyes on Jesus instead of the circumstances helps me. I know He is trustworthy and He promises to never leave me. So even when I don’t always FEEL it, I can know that what He says is true. So I will trust that He knows best for me, even when the answer is no.
I loved how you used the illustration with your children in this devotional.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Yes, I do get “NO” from our Lord. Sometimes I am confused. Especially when it involves my chronic health for 25 years. Then about six years ago the Lord revealed that I could share my testimony and help others. I know that one day I will be healed… maybe not here on earth, but in heaven. By His stripes I am healed! Amen!