God Said No

We all like happy endings and when the outcome is exactly as we hoped or imagined it would be. But sometimes things don’t work out that way. The other day I saw this post of Facebook and it really caught my attention so much that I wanted to share it with you.

God Said No!

I asked God to take away my pride, and God said “NO”. 
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole, and God said “NO”.
He said her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience, and God said “NO”.
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation, 
it isn’t granted, it’s earned.

I asked God to give me happiness, and God said “NO”.
He said He gives blessings, happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain, and God said “NO”.
He said suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow, and He said “NO”.
He said I must grow on my own, but He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me,
And God said “Ah, finally you have the idea”!

Author: Claudia Minden Weisz

This week is Brock’s anniversary date of meeting Jesus face to face. It was a time when my answer from God was no. At least no to the only outcome that I could imagine or that I wanted. But God had a different plan. One that I would never have understood if He told me at the time and one that is still unfolding. It’s full of purpose and promise and I pray that I will learn the message that this post shares.

Going deeper:

I struggle with everything on that list. As I read the poem I could feel God’s “No,” as a loving response and I felt so empowered by the response that “it’s for you to give up.” I don’t know why, but whenever I’ve prayed for something like this it’s like I have no ability to fix it myself. My thoughts are that Only God can do this; this will require dependence on God right? But God has already given me the power to give it up. It has always been my choice and I think that’s why they call it selfish pride. I want it my way.

I love seeing the way God views each and every one of these issues; not as obstacles, but as free will choices, training moments and opportunities for growth.

Over the years the moments that I have felt the most healing, comfort, peace and love have been when I’m loving others. I can never out love God, but when I love like Him, I hear Him say, “That’s my girl! We’ve got this!”

My Prayer

Father, thank you for the no’s. I do believe that You know best and I pray that I will trust You completely especially when the answer is different than I wanted. You have a purpose and a plan and I want to be obedient to it. Help me to love like You do. Thank you for Your Love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Luke 22:42

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”