When God says “no,” what is the lesson? | Short Sermon Series

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Do you remember that one occasion growing up when you asked your parents for that one thing, only to receive a resounding response “No”?

As our little hearts shattered, some thoughts probably followed: “How can they reject? I did all my chores!” ”They don’t love me anymore!” “They don’t consider my feelings…”

Whatever went through our heads then, we have to understand that they had their reason(s) for saying no. They were older, with more knowledge and wisdom and would have known what was best even though we saw it differently. As all we could have seen was what we wanted and why we could not have it!

Years have passed, and looking back, this is like how God answers or ‘unanswers’ our prayers.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:5)

“May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans!” (Psalm 20:4)

The Bible has verses revealing that God will act when you call upon Him, but notice that it doesn’t say when.

Therefore, this shows that God is in total control of HOW our prayers are answered. We can make our petitions known to God, but it is in HIS hands for the how and when. Just as our parents who had dominion over us when we were growing up, God likewise has His reasons, and they are always going to be in our best interests.

He is love, so when He says “No,” it is not meant to hurt us. So instead let us practice:

- Patience in waiting for the Lord

- Obedience to His will

- Trust for His bigger picture

Devotional Article adapted from “When God says “no,” what is the lesson? | Faith” by walterborolive.com