Sometimes The Answer is “NO”

Sometimes The Answer Is “NO”

By Joel B.

Friends, many times we approach the Lord God with seemingly good requests. We may ask for deliverance from an infirmity or for a much needed job. We know in our minds that the request would make life easier or better for ourselves or someone close to us. However, often we are told “no” or “wait.”

Paul knew this lesson very well. In 2 Cor 12:7-10 we can read about Paul approaching the Lord thrice to remove the thorn in his flesh. Of course we know the Lord told him “no” three times, and that His grace was to be sufficient for him. His strength was to be made perfect in Paul’s weakness. Instead of fussing about this, Paul decided it was better to glory in his infirmities, because he knew that he would experience the power of Christ in a greater portion in order to deal with the thorn.

There are some important tidbits we can take from this account. First, God does not promise us we will not face trials, but He does give us what we need to cope. Even if He tells us “No” to one thing, it is likely He is saying “Yes” to something even better that we may not have thought of. Second, God sees the big picture. He knows that sometimes adversity is needed in order to bring about good. Maybe that struggle you are facing will create a path that leads someone to Christ or maybe God telling you “no” will save you from an unseen danger. The thing is, God knows best.

Here is a good verse to learn:

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

In closing, I just want to say that whether you get a “yes”, “no”, or “wait” from God it is always the right answer. Even when it doesn’t makes sense to us, it is still right. We may not understand now, but we will surely understand one day. For now, let’s just find our strength in Christ and trust in Him knowing that He is fully aware what is best for all of us. Thank you for reading and God bless.