When God Says No

-May 4, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Saturday,

“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

(2 Samuel 7:12-13).

David had a desire on his heart to build a house for the Lord. He told this to Nathan the prophet. He told him to do all that is in his heart, for the Lord is with him. The same night God appeared to him and tell David that it is not God’s will for him to build the temple, instead, his son Solomon would build the house of the Lord.

How would David react to God’s no? Would he argue his case? Would he complain? Would he pout? No, no, and no. He accepted God’s will, knowing God knows best and has a better plan.

There are several examples of God saying no to his servants. It isn’t easy to hear God’s no’s. We can learn so many lessons from Paul, Moses, and Jesus our Savior.

Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that God would remove the cup of death from Him. The answer was there was no other way to save sinners. Moses wanted to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land so badly, but God said no because he had struck the rock in anger to bring forth water. He should have obeyed and hallowed the Lord, and spoke to the rock. Paul prayed three times that the thorn in his flesh would be removed. God instead told him, “My grace is sufficient for you.” He gladly accepted God’s will and trusted Him.

May the Lord help us to accept, approve, and appreciate God no’s. When God says no, He has something better for us: a better school, a better job, a better spouse, a better everything. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.

God’s no’s are better than our yeses. Never second guess the Lord.

Dean