When You Don’t Like God’s Answer

I’ll admit, I don’t like it when someone tells me no. I especially don’t like it when God tells me no. At the same time, I’m so thankful that He does. What a mess my life would be if God gave me everything I thought I wanted when I wanted it. What a spoiled rotten child I would have become.

What do you do when God says no to one of your requests? I’ll tell you what I do. I usually fuss about it, stew in it, and pout because of it. But then, after a while, I settle down, knowing that God knows what’s best for me. When it comes to praying for my child, my spouse, or my friends, it’s the same. I still fuss and stew and pout, but I know deep down that God is doing what is best for them.

Do I understand God’s decisions completely? No, I do not. I don’t understand why my son was an only child when I wanted a houseful. I don’t understand why my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at fifty-six. I don’t understand why one of best friends has cancer. But I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t owe me an explanation. He doesn’t owe you one. God is God. He does what He pleases, and we have to trust His plan is always best.

If you’re a parent, think about the times you’ve told your own child no. Most likely they didn’t like it and probably didn’t understand it. But you, as their parent, knew what was best even though they did not. How much more will our heavenly Father answer each and every one of our prayers according to what is best for us.

Solomon wrote, Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take,” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

David wrote, “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love” (Psalm 62:11b–12a). God is strong—He can do anything. God is loving—He will always do what’s best.

Did you know that God said no to His own Son? Just before Jesus’ arrest, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me” (Matthew 26:39b). And yet, God said no. Jesus went to the cross. God knew it was the only way to redeem this broken world.

So friend, as we pray, if God says no, it’s not because He doesn’t love you, but because He does.

Are you willing to trust that God has you best interest in mind, even when it doesn’t feel like it? If so, leave a comment and say, “I will trust Him.”

Heavenly Father, I trust You with all my heart; I will not depend on my own limited understanding but will seek You in all I do. Thank You for showing me the path to take. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Digging Deeper

Sometimes those “no” answers can lead to very difficult, hard to understand chapters. But what if those difficult chapters could become your greatest victories? I know that they can. Come join me on a journey to discovering how to change the pages you once wanted to rip of your story out into pages that God can use for His glory! When You Don’t Like Your Story is the message that changed my life.

And while you’re browsing in the store, check out my latest release, Momma Moments with God: A 90-Day Devotional.

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