We find it relatively easy to thank God for saying yes to prayers we have prayed – healing from sickness, promotion on job, admission into college of our choice, spiritual growth, financial freedom, healing of marriage, and so many more amazing blessings. But, when was the last time we genuinely thanked God for saying NO to our requests? I shudder to think of the possible smears and cumulative blots on, and dead-ends and cul-de-sacs in my life, had he not said NO.
When I look back over my life and see all the times God said NO, and how he saved me from ship wrecking my life against the icebergs of unwise choices, I rejoice and thank him for his amazing preserving grace. In short, I am learning how to say YES to God’s NO.
When was the last time you genuinely thanked God for telling you NO? In what areas has God said NO to you, and when you see the big picture, you were glad that he did? How are you doing saying YES to God’s NO?
tom felten on February 26, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Marvin, thanks for this post. I can remember several years ago feeling confident that God was leading me to begin a new work. When the brakes were suddenly applied by others, I wondered what God was doing. Then, a short time later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer and faced a serious health battle. It would have been a big, big challenge in so many ways if God had not closed the door on my ministry plans. What’s interesting is that now—many years later—He’s brought the right people and talents and treasure together to see the work I envisioned so many years ago be come a reality. His timing is so always perfect. Yes, praise God for the NOs!
AManofGod on February 27, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Awesome teaching today Pastor Marvin! And I really enjoyed your testimony Pastor Tom!
I think sometimes when God tells us “no” He may be in fact telling us “not yet” because we aren’t ready. In your case Pastor Tom , God had you wait until your health isues were behind you so you could focus 100% on the ministry plans.
I have found that when God says “no” to me I must try not to ask Him again every 5-10 seconds (as my children love to do!) but when He feels i am ready and the timing is JUST RIGHT, as always He will give me what He wants for me.
AManofGod
mikan14 on March 2, 2011 at 8:59 am
i wanted to know more of a certain someone – it was a petty prayer or just wishful thinking. actually it wasn’t really a prayer at all, it was just “hope”. but before i was about to indulge to that thought, God intervened through reality that it would be wrong to pursue the feeling. i just thank God he really got in my way before i could hurt myself from wrong decisions and wrong feelings in the wrong time.. 🙂
tom felten on March 2, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for sharing, mikan14. God certainly “intervenes,” but it sounds like you also chose to move with Him. Way to go! It can be hard when our feelings draw us to people and places that we know will not lead to us glorifying God. But waiting on Him for His perfect gifts (James 1:17) shows our devotion and love for Him.