October 13, 2011
When God says No
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5, 6, NASB).
Friend to Friend
Like any good parent, God’s answers to our requests are not always “yes.” When God says “no,” we must accept the fact that our Father knows best.
In my own life, my desire was to have three or four children. I conceived my first child with no problem. Little did I know at the time that Steven would be my only child. For years my husband and I prayed for more children. We traveled down the road of infertility doctors, diagnostic procedures, and timed intimacy which is anything but intimate. As hard as it was for me to accept, God said “no.”
Do I understand God’s decision completely? No, I do not. But I’ve come to realize that He doesn’t owe me an explanation. God is God. He does what He pleases and I must trust Him. When we can’t see His hand, we must trust His heart. I so know this: “One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving,” (Psalm 62: 11,12). God is strong – He can do anything. God is loving – He will always do what is in our best interest.
Have you ever considered that God said no to His own Son, Jesus? Just before His arrest, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me,” (Matthew 26:39). And yet, God said “no.” Jesus went to the cross. God knew it was the only way. He loves you and me that much.
We can be assured that if God does say “no” to our requests, it is for the same reason – He loves you and me that much.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I am so glad that You have not answered “yes” to every one of my requests. When I think about what my life would be like if You had given me everything I had ever asked for… oh my, I shudder. Thank You for loving me enough to say “no.” Thank You for answering each and every prayer with Your infinite wisdom. I trust You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Make a list of some prayer requests that you are glad God said “No” to.
Are there some prayer requests that God has said “no” to that you don’t understand?
Are you willing to trust that God knows best?
I would love to hear how you are thankful for one of God’s “no” answers in your life. Let’s chat at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.
More from the Girlfriends
We all have broken dreams. What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would? What do you do with broken dreams or unfulfilled longings? Learn how God wants to fulfill your dreams in His own way and in His own timing in Sharon’s book, 5 Dreams of Every Woman…and How God Wants to Fulfill Them. It also includes a Bible study guide that is perfect for group or individual study.
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Originally published Thursday, 13 October 2011.
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