God’s Gift of No


Think of a child who asks her parent for something…and the answer is no. Rarely is that the end of the conversation. The child wants to know why? Why is the answer no?

I think of this because I know I’m often that child when God answers no. But why God? I don’t understand. Why can’t I have that? (Because, in my mind, it seems so perfect.) But like the parent who knows what’s best for her daughter, God knows what’s best for me.

Even as an adult, “no” isn’t what I want to hear when my sights are set on one particular thing. I justify it. I explain it. I might even whine a little. Maybe God will change His mind.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been looking at God’s answer of no a little differently. I know I’m in a season of life that won’t last forever. 

Maybe God’s no to one thing is so that I can focus on where I am right now. So I can be fully present where I’m needed today. So I don’t miss out on this season that will one day be over.

It wasn’t easy to reach this point of acceptance. Some days, I take a few steps back and ask why again. And God gently reminds me to be here today.

With acceptance comes peace. Peace with the season I’m in. That doesn’t mean the struggles aren’t real. They are, and some days are like walking into a squall. They can be brutal. But acceptance calms my desires for what isn’t mine to have right now.

Acceptance doesn’t mean I stop trying. It doesn’t mean not moving forward. 

Acceptance of the season I’m in means I can see the gift of today. 

Despite the most difficult moments, today won’t last forever. God’s gift is the peace to see that.

Maybe God’s no is really a gift of right now because tomorrow I will regret missing today. It’s too easy to be so focused on what I want that I can’t see what I have.

God’s no right now might only be for this season. Like a child hears, “Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up,” I’m hearing, “Don’t be in such a hurry to rush through to the next season. There’s too much to miss today.”

I don’t know what the future holds, but God does. Whether the future is tomorrow or years from now, God knows what He has planned. I don’t want to look back at yesterday and regret what I missed because I was whining about tomorrow. 

With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow. Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

Are you in a season where God’s no is a gift?

In Christ,
Laura 

6 comments:

  1. I love that translation of that verse, "don't trust your own judgement". That's so good!

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  2. I've been reading Tozer on prayer, and he comes down on the importance of Christians being in fellowship with God when the pray. I was challenged by his exhortation to come to Him mindful of His holiness.
    Of course, then there is the truth that you are sharing today too -- "No is an answer!" Trusting God along with you for faith to accept his wisdom.

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  3. I fell in love with this: "Maybe God’s no is really a gift of right now because tomorrow I will regret missing today." Perfect sentiment! How often I think ahead and miss the now. May I too accept God's no, even when I don't understand. Thank you so much for sharing! Happy Easter!

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  4. Wow, what a beautiful word. Accepting the season of life I'm in is not always easy, but oh so necessary. I especially loved this line: "Maybe God’s no is really a gift of right now because tomorrow I will regret missing today." Thank you so much for sharing what was on your heart.

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  5. "Acceptance of the season I’m in means I can see the gift of today." This is a good way of looking at it. Too often I want to rush through something, but to accept where I am now and look for the beauty there is a good thing! Blessings to you, Laura!

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  6. Love these reminders that even a "no" answer from God is always to bring Him glory and for our own good.

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