Remember that thing Charlotte used to say when she didn’t get her way?”
My wife Merryn and I were sitting in church after the morning service. Merryn’s comment referred to a time when our niece, then 2 years old, wanted to play with all her blankets instead of just one, and the response she gave her mother when told she couldn’t.
“You mean,” I replied, “when she said, ‘You’re ruining me!’?”
“Yes. In many ways I’ve been saying the same thing to God about having a child,” Merryn said. “I’ve said, ‘I want one. Why can’t I have one? You’re ruining me for not giving me one!’ It’s time for this to stop.”
Merryn’s words were significant. We had tried for a decade to start a family, without success, and a few months previously had concluded that we would never have a child. This had been heartbreaking for both of us—but especially for Merryn. But now she spoke with the peace of one who had been spoken to by God, and I sensed a quiet breakthrough.
There comes a time for all of us when we must let God be God, whether He gives us what we want or not. Like Job, we may suffer loss (Job 1:12–2:10). Like him, we may demand answers from God about why we suffer (for example, Job 31:35-37). And like him, when God does break His silence He may not answer our questions (Job 38:1–39:30). Will we, like Job, give up our demands on God and serve Him anyway? (Job 42:1-6). Can we say with him, “I was talking about things I knew nothing about” (Job 42:3)?
“I don’t understand why God has said No to our having a child,” Merryn said. “Perhaps I never will. But I know Him, and I know He wouldn’t have meant this for evil. So it’s time to let go of the Why? questions now.”
It’s time to let God be God.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 17:32-58
More:
Read Mark 14:36 and see how Jesus responded to God the Father’s will for Him.
Next:
How have you been demanding something from God? Why is it vital that you serve Him, whether He grants your request or not?
alli on March 28, 2014 at 6:14 am
Yep sometimes its like that but God sees the total picture not just part. He sometimes is doing stuff our mind wouldnt even think, perhaps the no is causing u too seek Him, or theres some info we are not privy to, like a generational promise or a danger. Usually it has nothing to do w us, but someone elses salvation or need
Sheridan Voysey on March 28, 2014 at 6:21 am
And if only we can keep that firmly in our minds – and our emotions – when the difficult trials come, we’ll be the better for it.
alli on March 28, 2014 at 6:18 am
For me its not the denial its living with enthusiasum and serving. Like you said no and i STILL have to play nice wo the thing you ask. Its easy to sulk when life doesnt yield u want you want .
Tom Felten on March 28, 2014 at 8:56 am
Sheridan, I’m reminded of what God stated in Isaiah: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). These words encourage me in light God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness. Though I don’t understand why certain things happen and don’t happen in my life, I can choose to rest in the perfect will of the One whose ways are far higher than mine.
Sheridan Voysey on March 28, 2014 at 11:45 am
That is such a key verse, Tom. If we can just keep it front and center. I can only imagine what God’s thoughts are like (imagine! omniscience!). He sees so much more than what we can ever see or know – all the important details we will never be privy to – and choosing to act perfectly within them.
russell fralick on March 28, 2014 at 9:32 am
Sometimes I find it hard to agree with God when He doesn’t do what I want! Knowing that His plan for me is the best plan is a real exercise of faith, especially when circumstances seem to refute this. At these times I am challenged and encouraged by the idea of seeing things from an eternal perspective. Life here on earth is not the end point; it is merely preparation for eternity. I have to try to believe that every day, especially when the tough times come. Thanks for the post Sheridan.
Sheridan Voysey on March 28, 2014 at 11:46 am
Thank you, Russell, for that thought provoking comment too.
emi82 on March 28, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Thank you for sharing you and your wife’s story. This is why I like ODB/ODJ – it is real people, real stories, real pain which is real life, and pointing to a real God who loves us all.
Sheridan Voysey on March 29, 2014 at 4:10 am
That’s a nice description of ODJ! Thanks emi82
LCC on March 29, 2014 at 1:16 am
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I believe it takes courage for you to share and it also takes a lot of courage for your wife to be able to say the below. Glory to God!
“I don’t understand why God has said No to our having a child,” Merryn said. “Perhaps I never will. But I know Him, and I know He wouldn’t have meant this for evil. So it’s time to let go of the Why? questions now.”
I can understand what your wife have gone through. I myself have my share of struggle on “Why” but I also have learned to release it to God. Trusting Him that no matter what, He knows my struggles and He loves me. He was there in the beginning of creation, He is here now and He will be with us till the end. As I am writing this, I am reminded of Psalm 13 especially verses 5 & 6.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
Shalom.
Sheridan Voysey on March 29, 2014 at 4:14 am
Thanks so much LCC. Releasing it to God is key, and recognising God’s goodness. There will be times when we question that goodness but just hold on… and we’ll be surprised what He does through the pain.
Winn Collier on March 30, 2014 at 8:06 pm
“But I know him.” yes, indeed.