When God Says No

Psalms 33:4

"For the word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth."

There are times in our walks with Christ when we pray for something really hard. I'm talking about begging and pleading with God to do something or to let something happen or to stop something from happening. And God, hearing every single one of our prayers, answers "No." We're left wondering how a God that loves us so much can ever say no. Well, I can tell you from experience, it's because He knows best.

Now, I know you've heard it from your parents before. "Why can't I do this, Mommy?" "Because I said so." "But why?" "Because I know what's best." In fact, you're probably sick and tired of hearing such a vague answer. But that doesn't make it any less true. Your parents told you this because they have learned either the hard way, from past experiences, or their parents told them the same thing. Well, God is our Heavenly Father, which means we should trust Him when He says He knows best.

Let me give you an example:

I really wanted to go to the University of South Carolina. I had my heart set on that school for as long as I could remember. My parents had gone there, and I wanted to go there. But when it came time to choose a university, that door was slammed in my face. I WAS HEARTBROKEN! I questioned God, asking Him why I couldn't go where I've always wanted to go. He answered by opening the door to another university, Winthrop University, with a scholarship that covered everything. I was flabbergasted! Why did God want to rip my dreams away and send me where I didn't want to go? Why did He say no?

Well, the truth is, looking back on that decision, I am grateful! Since I came to Winthrop instead of South Carolina, my walk with Christ has grown so much stronger! I've become part of a wonderful discipleship group, I've gone halfway around the world to share my testimony, and I've built relationships that will last a lifetime long. But most importantly, I've learned to trust God 100%.

You see, sometimes the answer is no. And we're not going to like it. But, we can rest assured knowing that God knows what He's doing and that God knows best. Though it might not seem like it at the moment, I can guarantee that 5 years from now, it will. Take it from someone who has had a life filled with God saying no, and then showing me something much better.

God bless everyone!