From time to time, situations arise that call for a serious
and prolonged season of prayer. This might be the result of a potential opportunity,
a struggle, or simply needing a sense of direction. However, we must realize
that God sometimes says, “no.” It is hard to accept, but when God says “no,” it
is for our own good. What we cannot see is that God is often working out something
beyond our comprehension.
As I share this thought, I am reminded of two times in my
ministry when I thought God was going to open a door of opportunity but did
not. In both instances, my wife and I thought we were headed to new churches.
In both cases, we were devastated when it did not transpire. This devastation
was not because we were miserable where we were, but because we thought we had
a clear word from God. In hind sight, we can see that God was moving on our
behalf for His purposes.
The Apostle Paul shares a similar experience in 2 Corinthians
12:7-10, “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing
greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of
Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded
with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace
is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I
will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ
may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am
strong.”
Note what Paul is telling us, he prayed earnestly that this “thorn
in the flesh,” whoever or whatever it was, would be removed. To every request,
the Lord said no. God was not interested in Paul’s agenda, but His own. Three
things Paul tells us that he had concluded: this thorn was to keep him from
becoming conceited, God’s grace was sufficient to see him through the trial,
and it was in weakness that he truly became strong. Certainly, it is hard to
step back and find reasons to celebrate when God says, “no,” but Paul did just
that.
Maybe you currently find yourself in a place where you are
only hearing a “no” from the Lord. Often, this can shake our faith. God’s “no”
can cause us to ask all sorts of questions. Why isn’t God answering? Is there
some sin I’m being punished for? Am I not praying correctly? What do I need to do
in order to get God to move? The truth is, sometimes God says, “NO” for His own
reasons. However, even God’s “no” holds great value. While in may be heart breaking,
do not miss the opportunity to get to know God at a deeper level in the midst
of the “NO”.
