Have you ever been disappointed by one (or several of) God’s decisions? Maybe you wanted a particular job, mate, home, car, ministry position, or healing for someone, and God decided to fulfill His purposes completely opposite of your request. Or maybe you are at your wits end in that marriage, and God says “stay” when you want so desperately to leave.
During times when God said no, I forgot He still loves me.
We have all “made our requests known” (as the scripture tells us) only to have God do His own thing. Let’s be honest; it can hurt when God says “No” while we want Him to say “Yes”, right?
I’ve got good news for us, Christian Woman!
God is immeasurably gracious, merciful, and compassionate. He understands our pain and bottles every single one of our tears.
He knows how we feel when we are disappointed. He even knows how difficult it is at times to submit to His will. But, He wants us to submit nonetheless.
Remember, when Jesus was praying in the Garden and asked: “My Father if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me“? I think Jesus wanted to demonstrate to us that we can talk to our Father about absolutely anything.
But, at the same time, He’s showing us we must always put His will before our own. That’s why He ended the prayer with “nevertheless, your will be done.”
God understands your disappointment and the grief that often follows His decisions. He listens, comforts and promises to help you work through the sorrow. He’s there to help you one hundred percent of the time – in the “yes” seasons and in the “no” seasons too.
And we know that in all things God works for the good those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
If your heart is heavy today, talk to Him. Bask in the comfort of the Psalms. Keep searching until you find one that soothes your soul. Then, cast your feelings, thoughts, and anguish on Him. He can handle it. He won’t fall apart because you’re unhappy with Him…nor will He love you any less.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Christian woman, when God said no to me (the many times) it helped me to keep my environment praise-worthy.
I play worship music that soothed my spirit and feds my faith. Try it. Then, watch God usher you through the deepest darkest times of your life. His will is King, and so is His comfort and peace.
Hang in there. His ways may be far above reaching, but His comfort is just a call away.
When God said no, it help me to remember these scriptures:
Matthew 26:39 New King James Version (NKJV)
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
Psalm 56:8 New King James Version (NKJV)
8 You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
Isaiah 55:8 New King James Version (NKJV)
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
Thanks! I sooooo needs to read your comment. Some seasons do seem like “no” seasons. Those can be difficult.
such a great post. I heard someone say once that the definition of “surrender” is “giving up attachment to results”…that we can trust God in the “no” season of our lives. That good bad or indifferent, we know we’re going to be ok, and that God loves us and has a divine plan and a purpose for our lives. That even if things fall apart at the seams completely, trusting that He will do something new…..thanks for posting this!