Apr 08
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
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 tend to read the gospels through the lens of the 21st century, but when we understand how oppressive the culture Jesus stepped into was against women, and how He broke a cultural rule every time He came in contact with a woman in the New Testament, we begin to understand just how radical His ministry, messages, and miracles were at setting women free. He risked His reputation to save theirs…and yours. How Jesus Broke the Rules to Set You Free: A Woman’s Walk in Power and Purpose, is now available on Amazon.com and www.sharonjaynes.com. By taking an in-depth look at how Jesus crossed cultural boundaries to honor women, you’ll fall in love with Him all over again and have the confidence to walk in the power and purpose God intended. Bible study guide is included. Click here to watch the book trailer and be blessed!
And wives, I Invite you to check out my app, Praying Wives.
When God says “no,” we must accept the fact that our Father knows best. I believe that has been my experience the “new or “rebirth”!
A well meaning friend sent this to me because my daughter has been diagnosed with a serious illness. So far, God has not chosen to heal her. I understand God is sovereign and I understand that He loves my daughter more than I know how, but somehow sending me this seemed unfeeling and a tad hurtful. She also referenced another mom whose daughter recently died. Somehow, I doubt the other mom would be grateful to read this at this time. Yes, sometimes God says no, but there are other ways to share with hurting moms about God’s love for his daughters (the moms and the daughters, we are all His). Does anyone understand my point?
Hi Jean,
I do see your point! And I want you to know that I started to compose a reply to you on yesterday (Thursday, March 31) evening, but something stopped me. I met with my weekly Bible study group later that evening and one of the women said something so simple, yet incredibly profound and I immediately thought of your post! She said “we’ve got to stop trying to be the Holy Spirit in people’s lives!” Now, your well-meaning friend was only trying to be helpful and I know you appreciated it, but it was either bad timing, seemingly insensitive or maybe a combination of a myriad of other things. Sometimes, in an effort to be helpful and offer spiritual encouragement, we can be quite pushy. We may say or send the wrong thing. I’ve been there myself! I’ve learned that in some cases, it’s better to say nothing, but to just listen intently. To simply be there. I’m praying for your daughter’s healing, and for you Jean, that God help you and embrace you during this difficulty. I pray that you become keenly aware of His presence and love with you and your daughter. I also pray that I, a well-meaning friend on the World Wide Web hasn’t been too pushy. God’s grace and blessings to you and your family.
I am so glad God said no when I prayed non stop to get married to a man who turned out to be a chronic womaniser. At the time I was so unhappy but now I can’t be happier. Thank you Jesus.
Sometimes, doing something that makes “us” feel good, is not always right for someone else…….social media can be, a thoughtless way to convey heartfelt messages…..
Have you ever considered that God said no to His own Son, Jesus? gotta love that! Food for thought – most likely for his own protection.