Marriage from A to Z

When the answer is “NO!”

Have you ever prayed, and the answer was “NO?”  There are times when God’s answer to your request or your prayer is simply no!  Usually when the answer is no, it does not sound good, and it does not feel good.  I can think of several situations where I prayed about something and the answer was no.  When we don’t get the desired outcome, we think that God didn’t hear us or that He has forgotten about us.  God sees us, He hears us, and He knows everything about our situations.  Therefore, when His answer is no, we must trust that God has a better plan, purpose and that He wants to protect us and provide the best for us.  

No is defined as a negative used to express dissent, denial or refusal.  So this is why it doesn’t sound good when we are given the answer no. However, as I think about the times that God has said no to me, I can honestly say that He revealed a better plan, purpose or He was protecting me from something or someone that I thought was good, but it really wasn’t God’s best.  Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”  This verse reminds me that sometimes things/people seem right and seem good for us, but they are not.  God knows ALL of the details and the road ahead, so we must trust Him when the answer is no!

If you recently received the answer no for a request or a prayer, be encouraged my friend.  God sees and He knows.  He has not forgotten about you or your situation.  He knows what is best.  Always remember that:

1. God has a Plan – I can remember applying for jobs that I thought I should have gotten, but the answer was no.  God said no because He had a different plan for me.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord . . .”  So when our plan does not match His plan and the answer is no, we should be grateful!  Thank you Jesus for the times that you have said no!
2. God has a Purpose – Some times God says no because what we are asking will not fulfill the purpose that He has in mind.  We think that we know the purpose for something, but we can be wrong.  Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
3. God wants to Protect you – There have been times where God has said no, and I later find out that He was protecting me from harm or a bad decision.                         II Thessalonians 3:3 says “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
4. God knows what’s Perfect for you – I have been in situations where I have tried to make something work, and it just wouldn’t work right.  I tried everything that I could only to discover that it wasn’t God’s perfect will.  Psalm 138:8 says, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;  . . .” 
5. God will Provide for you – Sometimes we pray for one specific thing to happen and when it doesn’t happen, we don’t know how we are going to make it.  Trust and believe that God will provide.  Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all of your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

I think we would all agree that the answer “No”  does not sound good, and it often does not feel good.  However, I pray that you will be encouraged and remember God’s promises that each begin with the letter P.  God has a plan, purpose, He wants to protect you, He knows what is perfect for you, and He will Provide for you.

Until next week . . .

Carolyn