Australian-born evangelist Nick Vujicic entered the world without arms or legs. Throughout his life, he’s had a deep desire for God to make him whole. Nick has even prayed that he would grow appendages. Once, he and some Christian friends fashioned arms and legs out of clay and prayed for the limbs to become flesh. Although it didn’t happen, Nick still prays, “Please give me arms and legs. But if You don’t . . . I trust You.” He says his commitment to Jesus is simply to “want His plan.”
Like Nick, Paul suffered with an affliction that God didn’t take way. He described it as a thorn in the flesh—a messenger of Satan (2 Corinthians 12:7). Some think Paul endured epilepsy, migraines, or even eye problems. The apostle said, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away” (2 Corinthians 12:8). He pleaded, and it wasn’t a one-time request.
Although God didn’t give Paul what he wanted, He did give him something else—grace. In response to Paul’s prayers, He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God wasn’t simply refusing to help. He was saying “no” to Paul’s request so that He could use the apostle’s limitations to reveal His limitlessness. Paul’s frailty would showcase God’s might.
When God says “no” to our requests, we might assume He doesn’t care about us. The truth is the opposite. Even if we keep asking Him to fix the problem, we can also pray beyond that request.
Getting started might sound something like this: God, help me to rely on Your grace in this situation. I know Your strength can shine through my weakness—so Lord, bring it on. Unleash Your power in my life. Please use my pain for Your glory.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 12:22-50
More:
Read Matthew 26:42-45 to see how Jesus responded to God the Father’s answer of “no.” See Acts 28:7-9 for a bit of irony regarding Paul’s situation.
Next:
Why is it difficult to accept a “no” from God? How might you encourage someone who is prayerfully struggling with a persistent problem?
alli on July 8, 2013 at 12:44 am
Yes the enemy tells us the God does not care when He says no. Sometimes we think God just likes seeing us suffer. Or when He chooses to heal another from said affliction but fails to heal you. But i have to remember didnt create me for comfort but for His glory.
jennifer benson schuldt on July 8, 2013 at 8:18 am
alli,
It is very hard to see others healed of an affliction while having to endure it ourselves. I wonder if Paul thought about that when he healed people, yet had to endure his “thorn in the flesh” (Acts 14:8-10). If so, Paul’s words about God’s grace are especially important.
Even when people around us have no idea what we’re going through, God knows and even if He doesn’t take it away, He still cares, loves and guides us (Psalm 117:2). May those of us who are struggling today find comfort in knowing this.
tom felten on July 8, 2013 at 9:30 am
Jen, there’s great hope in acknowledging that our sovereign, loving God walks through our challenges with us. I like what Job said: “[God] knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold” (Job 23:10).
jennifer benson schuldt on July 8, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Hi Tom,
Thanks for sharing this verse–it gives us so much hope. It reminds me of the song, “Refiner’s fire…my heart’s one desire…is to be holy…set apart for you LORD…ready to do your will.” (I think that is the way the the song goes).
I think it’s interesting that (Job 23:10) says “when”, not “if” He tests me. All of us will eventually hit difficulty in this life (Job 5:7). Still, God can show us amazing things in the fire–growth in our own walk with Him, and a fresh sense of His power and love.
Terrence on July 8, 2013 at 11:42 am
Hi Jen,
Past few days, I had same thought that God is not answering my prayers and doesn’t wipe my tears but today I get answer from your message. Thanks Jen, for give me a insight in my problems.
Let my pain and sufferings glorify him.
Thanks
jennifer benson schuldt on July 8, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Hi Terrence,
I’d like to pray for you. Dear God, I don’t know what Terrence is dealing with, but You know. You know the details of every problem we face in life. I ask that Your Spirit would comfort Terrence in his distress. I pray that he would receive support from other believers and experience your supernatural peace. LORD, I know that “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all those whose thoughts are fixed on you.” Help us to trust in you always, for You are the eternal Rock. (Isaiah 26:3,4).
legacy07 on July 8, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Once again, the ODJ devotional has spoken directly to my situation. For the last week or so, I’ve been pleading with God to take away the emotional pain I’ve been dealing with, but so far, He hasn’t. I questioned God’s love for me. I questioned why He would allow me to keep hurting while He blessed the one who hurt me. Sometimes, I get angry with Him (which I know is what the enemy wants). But I’ve been fighting to remember who God really IS and what His promises are. Jennifer, thank you for sharing this message with us. I really needed to be reminded that God has a plan and the hurt I feel has a purpose, even though it doesn’t seem like there is. Thank you for reminding me that His grace is enough.
jennifer benson schuldt on July 8, 2013 at 6:40 pm
legacy07,
I’m glad this message met a need in your life today. It’s amazing how God uses His Word to reach into our lives to pick us up and encourage us when we are struggling.
You mentioned that you’ve been fighting to remember who God really is, and what His promises are. I wonder if it would comfort you to know that He is for you. Despite the wrong you have suffered, you can be assured that God still loves you. Even when/if we don’t feel it, it’s still true. It isn’t the kind of pat-on-the-back love that says “Oh, don’t worry! Everything will be okay.”It’s the kind of love that steps into the furnace, and closes the lions’ mouths (Daniel 3:25, Daniel 6:27). God’s love is a steadfast love that nothing can change.
A psalmist wrote: “The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; He will help me…” (Psalm 118:6-7). I pray that this truth will meet the deepest needs of your heart and mind today.
Terrence on July 9, 2013 at 11:29 am
Hi Jen,
Thanks from my bottom of heart. I’m really moved my your message and pray.
Thanks for your prayers