When God Says No
Sometimes God says, “No.” It’s easy to understand His blocking our attempts to do things that are displeasing to HIm, but not so easy to understand when we are trying really hard to do good things!
In Acts 16, Paul and his friends wanted to spread the good news of Christ, but twice God said no. Why would He say no to such a good thing? It can be hugely disappointing when we ask God for good things and He says no. It can be confusing and we may wonder if He misunderstood our plea, or if He heard our prayer at all. I’m sure Paul didn’t understand, but he obeyed God’s instructions anyway.
Paul finally received God’s call to go to Macedonia and he immediately obeyed. It is once Paul is in Macedonia that we see why God may have said no earlier. In Macedonia Luke, the writer of much of the New Testament, joins the team, Lydia becomes the first convert, a young girl is spared the torment of demon possession, and the jailer, along with his whole family, are saved. God did good things in Macedonia!
Do I trust God when His answer is no? Do I trust that He always has my ultimate good in mind and that He is working all things together for good? (Romans 8:28). Do I cling to the promise that He is faithful and will not leave His work in me undone? (Philippians 1:6). Am I so grounded in my faith that I am able to soar on wings of hope even when the answer is no?
God doesn’t leave us alone in our no’s. He promises to stay near (Psalm 34:18). He is the Good Shepherd who is trustworthy to lead us (Psalm 23). But we should take note that His paths don’t always meander through plush green meadows; sometimes His paths lead us right into difficulties and disappointments. But He is with us! His rod and staff give us comfort.
The Shepherd’s rod is not just for looks. It is used to manage the sheep, to lead, help, and defend them. It is used to catch the sheep that try to wander off path. Sometimes the no’s are for our own good! Sometimes it is the no’s that allow us to experience all that God has for us. When our hands are empty, He is able to fill them with what He knows is best.
I sure don’t understand the “no’s” I am facing today, but I know God to be trustworthy. I believe that as I seek Him in the disappointments He is faithful to work in my heart to desire Him more (Psalm 37:3-4). And I have strong hope that no matter where His path leads me, He is with me and He is working His goodness and mercy everyday.
