WHEN GOD SAYS NO

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

I don’t know anybody who likes to be told no. As children it frustrated us. As adults, we’ve simply grown more polite in hiding our disappointment (sometimes)- but it still stings. It’s bad enough when people say no to us but when God says no…..

It may seem like it but there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. It’s usually “Yes” our much preferred and hoped for answer, “Wait” not what you’re looking for but at least it isn’t no, and the dreaded “No.” The most difficult, heartbreaking answer you can get.

A “no” from God feels deeply personal – like a rejection of hopes, dreams or even a sense of our identity. You’ve prayed unceasingly, earnestly and you’re not just asking; you are opening your heart and placing your trust in Him. To be told “no” can feel like He’s abandoned you and maybe what you’re praying for is important to you but not to Him. If you read the above scripture again notice that God’s “no” to Paul wasn’t rejection but redirection. He didn’t remove the thorn; He offered something much better: grace. Of course that’s easy to write but when you are praying for something desperately, the “I need a miracle Lord” prayer and it seems you’re met with silence it can be devasting.

So what do we do? When hearing that “no” from God whether you’re praying for healing, a relationship, breakthrough or just an open door, that divine “No” can leave you confused and hurting. How we respond to that “no” is where faith is forged. Let’s be real. We often think we know better than God. Deep down, many of us long for control – not just of our circumstances, but of outcomes, people, and even God’s timing. Control gives the illusion of safety. If we can manage it, predict it, or plan for it, we feel secure. When God says “no” to all of that, the key isn’t trying to understand why He said no, we will probably never know or understand this side of heaven. The key is trust. Trust that God sees more than we do, loves us deeper than we will ever comprehend, and works for our good even when His answer breaks our expectations.

A “no” can mean staying in pain, losing something, or not receiving healing or clarity. That is incredibly hard. We often expect that if God is as loving as we know He is, He should say “yes” to what we think is best. A “no” reminds us we are not in control. That’s hard too.

Faith grows in those moments when you sit with the “no” and still choose to believe that God is good. God saying “no” doesn’t mean He’s distant, indifferent, or punishing us. Often, it means He’s preparing us – for something deeper, richer, or more eternal than we can ever understand. God’s “no” is never void of love. Sometimes His greatest gifts are wrapped in unanswered prayers.

PRAYER:

Father, Your ways are higher than mine, and Your thoughts are wiser than mine. When You say no, help me to not turn away in bitterness but lean in with trust. Teach me to see Your love even in Your denials, and to receive the grace You offer when my desires go unmet. I believe You are still good – even when the answer is no.

Amen