Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters around the world,
No, No, No, And No, we all heard this word growing up, and we still hear it today,
But What happens when you hear NO from God?
Today, we gather to reflect on a reality that every believer faces at some point: the moments when God says "No" to our prayers.
We may feel confusion, disappointment, or even heartbreak during these times. Yet, these moments are profound opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of God's will.
In the Scriptures, we find several instances where faithful servants of God received a "No" to their fervent prayers.
Consider the Apostle Paul, who pleaded with the Lord three times to remove the "thorn in his flesh."
Despite his earnest prayers, the response he received was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
In this, Paul learned that God's "No" was not a denial but an invitation to experience God's strength in his vulnerability.
Similarly, King David, a man after God's own heart, passionately prayed for the healing of his son born to Bathsheba.
Yet, the child died. Through this painful "No," David saw the depths of God's sovereignty and justice, and he worshiped, saying, "He has put his trust in the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:22-23).
When we encounter God's "No," it is crucial to remember that God's perspective is infinitely greater than ours.
Isaiah reminds us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God's "No" is often not about withholding good from us but about guiding us to a greater good that we cannot yet see. It's about shaping our character, deepening our faith, and preparing us for blessings that align more closely with His will.
In these moments, let us emulate Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Facing the shadow of the cross, He prayed earnestly, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).
Even in the most profound agony, Jesus submitted to the Father's will, trusting in God's perfect plan for salvation.
When God says "No," let it not be a cause for despair but for deeper trust. Let us lean into the mystery of God's love and wisdom, trusting that every "No" is a step toward fulfilling God's ultimate plan for our lives.
As we go forth this weekend, let us hold onto the promise that God is always working for our good in ways we might not understand. We can trust that God knows what is good for us and that he knows the future and provides that protection.
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Let's go into prayer,
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts full of various emotions—hope, confusion, perhaps disappointment. We know that You hear every prayer, yet sometimes Your answer is not the one we anticipate or desire.
In these moments when You say "No," help us to understand that Your wisdom surpasses ours and that Your plans are higher than our plans.
Lord, grant us the grace to trust You even when the path seems unclear. Help us to remember that You are a loving Father whose decisions are for our ultimate good and Your greater glory.
Teach us to embrace Your will, finding peace in the assurance that You are in control.
Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may not falter or grow weary in well-doing. Infuse our hearts with Your comfort and guide us in Your everlasting love.
Even as we wrestle with disappointment, let us see the opportunities for growth and deeper relationship with You.
Thank you, Father, for Your patience and Your unfailing love. Help us to keep our eyes on You, trusting that whatever You deny us, You replace with something more significant—more of Yourself, more of Your strength, and more of Your wisdom.
In Jesus' name, we pray,
Amen
Allen Gibson
The Mighty Warriors Ministry
Website: www.themightywarriorsministry.com
Address: 2222 Aloha Drive 403
Honolulu Hawaii 96815
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