How do you respond to a 'no' from the Lord, when you've prayed for weeks, months, and even years for something? To be honest, my responses in the past have not always been the greatest, much less spiritually filled with joy. However, I am learning a lot as I think about previous 'no' answers, my responses and the most recent 'no' I've received.
There's a popular (ok, it used to be popular) song out there called "Unanswered Prayers". I believe that He answers ALL prayers. His answers may not be what we want....sometimes they are 'yes', sometimes it's 'wait' and sometimes it's 'no'.
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."-Jeremiah 33:3
"No--you can't have Sprite and Skittles for a snack." I don't have to think twice about telling my child 'no' to consuming 75 grams of sugar in one sitting. "No--you can't go to that movie." I don't have to think twice about telling my daughter she can't see a movie with sexual themes and inappropriate language. These are two, very simple illustrations that as a parent, I have given 'no' answers for several reasons, but the bottom line is this: I want better for them. I know there's a better choice out there. I know that the end result of their preferred choice is not ideal. Why do I say 'no' in these particular situations? Simply put--I love them. My 'no' is not because I'm trying to keep something good from them. My 'no' is because I want something better.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."--Isaiah 55:8-9
I know these very truths to be real and right. So why is it that I have such a hard time when His answer is 'no'? Why is my human tendency to pout and act like a three-year-old who's not getting her way? I know that He loves me and wants the best for me. I think I struggle with unmet expectations. Perhaps I pray, earnestly pray, and hope that the situation will turn out 'in my favor' and when it doesn't, in the past, spiritually I haven't handled it that well, with grace, as I'd hoped. However, I am learning.
"..being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."--Philippians 1:6
He is teaching me that His 'no' is for my good and His glory. We do not have the capacity to see into the future, so we are not privy to the things from which He may be protecting us. We do not have a way to know that what lies ahead is far greater than the thing we are wanting that is right in front of us. So my challenge to myself and to you, if this struggle is real for you as well, is this:
When the answer is 'No', let us lean into Him. Let us trust that
"... in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. "--Romans 8:28
Let us continue on our faith journey and withhold nothing short of a passionate pursuit of Jesus because HE LOVES US and wants the absolute best for our lives.
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