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When God Says No

 

Jeremiah 33:3  “Call to Me and I WILL answer you...”

 

 God always answers... but NOT always the answer we want.

There are four ways that God will answer.
1. Yes – God will do what you asked.

2. No – God will not do what you asked.

3. Wait – It might be God’s will but not God’s time for what you are asking.

4. Grow –  God wants us at times to go through some things before He will allow His will to happen.


Why God doesn’t answer every prayer with a “yes.”

  • Some prayers conflict with other prayers and both cannot be answered at the same time.

  • Some prayers would require God to take away someone’s free will and choice.  God won’t do that!

  • Praying for someone sick to stay alive will not always get a “yes” because we aren’t meant to live on earth forever!

  • But many times... the “no” answer is unexplainable.
    It makes no sense.  In fact, it is tragic.



Three of the many reasons God sometimes says “no”

1. God says “no” when He has a bigger perspective.

  • God sees the whole picture – we don’t!

Hebrews 4:13 

  • Sometimes God says “no” to protect you from unforeseen problems!   

Proverbs 2:8


2. God says “no” when He has a better plan.

  • Often God wants to fulfill your desire – but in a different way.  

Isaiah 55:8–9  

  • The way that grows your faith sometimes requires a delayed answer.

  • Remember: A delay is not a denial.  

  • Maturity is knowing: no and not yet. 

Hebrews 11:39–40 

  • God has all of eternity to fulfill His promises.


3. God says “no” when He has a greater purpose.

  • God will never let your prayer interfere with your purpose!

Psalm 57:2 

1 Peter 1:7 

2 Corinthians. 4:17–18


If you want to be happy you must learn to accept three facts of life:

1. There are some things we won’t understand until heaven.

Deuteronomy 29:29

Ecclesiastes 11:5 

2. There are some things that will never change until heaven.

3. Sometimes your suffering is for the benefit of others.


What should I do when God says “no”?

1. Trust that God does everything in goodness and love.

Psalm 25:10 

Romans 8:28

TRUTH: God loves you too much to give you everything you ask for!

So you have three options in response:

  • Resist it –  Fight God! Get mad. Turn your back on Him.

  • Resent it –  Become bitter and miserable. Doubt God’s love.  

  • Relax –  Know that God has your best interests... and loves you.          


2. When in pain, pray what Jesus prayed facing the cross.

Mark 14:35–36

  • Affirm God’s Power! “Father I know you can do anything!”

  • Ask with Passion! “Father, please, give me what I ask!”

  • Accept God’s Plan! “However, what I want most is your will.”


3. Expect God to give His grace to handle His answer.

  • Grace is God’s power to handle pain and do what’s right anyway.

2 Corinthians 12:8–10  

 

What have YOU prayed for and, so far, it hasn’t happened?


Remember GOD HAS A…
 

Bigger Perspective – He may be protecting you from something unforeseen.

Better Plan – The story hasn’t ended yet.

Greater Purpose – Right now He’s working on you! 

  • He will give you the grace/power to handle that situation!



Psalm 9:10 


If you don’t trust God when He says “no,” it means you really don’t know Him…




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