When God Says, "No"


I saw this the other day, and I wanted to share:

"I asked God to take away my habit.  God said, 'No.  It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.'  

I asked God to heal my handicapped son. God said, 'No.  His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.'  

I asked God to give me patience but God said, 'No.  Patience is a by-product of tribulations.  It isn't granted it is learned.' 

I asked God to give me happiness but God said, 'No.  I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.'

I asked God to spare me pain but God said, 'No.  Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.'

I asked God to make my spirit grow but God said, 'No.  You must grow on your own but I will prune you and make you fruitful.'

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life, but God said, 'No.  I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.'

I asked God to help me love others as He has loved me.  God said, 'Ah, now you have the right idea.'"

When God says "No", it is because He:

  • Has knowledge of the beginning and the end - "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." - Revelation 22:13
  • Has a plan for our future - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11
  • Is working all things together for our good - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
We know from the Bible, that God will often say "No."
  • He said "No" to King David's request to spare his son.
  • He said "No" to the Apostle Paul's request to remove the "thorn in his flesh."
  • He said "No" when Jesus asked Him to "take this cup."
The truth is, God will often say "No" to things we wish to see happen, and if our view of God is that he is obligated to grant our wishes like some genie in the sky, then we will be disappointed. 

And in the end, we choose whether we allow a "No" from God to shatter our faith, or build it up; to teach us to endure, or to turn us away from all that He has planned for our lives.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."  - James 1:2-3





















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