Sometimes God Says "No!" (2/5)

Though the Lord answers all my prayers, he does not always say "YES". I thank God that he has said yes in countless times. But if yes was all he said them he would not be a good God. Just like a parent who is always saying yes to all the children's demands is not a good parent. As a Christian I must always be learning that God knows and understands my entire life more than myself. He knows my yesterday, today and forever. Therefore every time I get engaged in prayer, my heart must be fully convinced that God already knows and will answer me accordingly. It may be yes, but sometimes God says "No".

Just like little junior, we all do not so much appreciate "NO" for an answer. "NO" has caused many Christians to say unrighteous things about God. Even mature believers at times through tantrums, distract their minister of the gospel and fail to magnify the Lord. Whether we like it or not, let's face it; the Lord will always say "NO" to us in a lot of things. Therefore we must learn to accept both positive and negative answers as from the loving God who cares for us and wouldn't like to see any one of us perish. You response and reaction to God when He says "No" suggests the nature of your walk with Him and describes your maturity level!

Let me put in perspective. Observe God's dealings with Paul. It is not clearly known what the problem was with the apostle Paul. Whatever it was, it must have been painful or difficult to bear. In 2 Corinthians 12:7- 10, Paul prayed and pleaded with the Lord three times that a thorn in his flesh may be taken away. But the Lord said "No!" I have no idea why the Lord refused (who are we to question God), but the Lord found it needful for Paul's sanctification. God said that His grace was sufficient (enough) for Paul to live with a thorn in the flesh. Friends, Paul in a very mature way accepted the answer as from the Lord.

As though that is not enough, observe another more surprising occurrence. A night leading to the crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane praying (Matt 26:36- 44). The scriptures relate that He prayed three times for the Father to take away the cup of suffering. But the Father said "No!" Can you believe that even the Lord Himself received "NO" for answer? Unlike us, He acknowledged that it was the Father's will that He should drink it. Had God the father said "YES" history would have gone on a very sad detour. Jesus Christ would have failed to redeem us; we would have been the most hopeless creatures. I thank My Lord daily that He drunk that bitter and excruciating cup of crucifixion. What a joy to learn that sometimes God says "NO!"

Dear friends, please keep this in mind and heart that when the answer is "NO" it is still from God. God is sovereign, infinite and all-knowing. He knows why He says "No" to a number of our prayers. Therefore, be thankful to the Lord when He denies you the desires of your hearts and your endless prayer requests. Not only does He answer with an emphatic "YES" sometimes God simple says "NO!"