14 Days of Praise & PositivitySample

When God Says No

“I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” JEREMIAH 29:11 NLT

We’re big country music fans at our house, and I can’t hear Garth Brooks’ “Unanswered Prayers” without having happy tears roll down my cheeks. I think back to many things I wanted in life, but God said no. Job offers I never got, teams I didn’t make, and a house I was outbid on. I met my husband, Chris in the first grade. He was actually my first boyfriend, first kiss, first dance, and first date. As young relationships often go, we went our separate ways, and I am forever grateful for all of the unanswered prayers in our past that beautifully led us back to each other today. A lot of things had to go wrong before THIS thing went right, but I can see God’s hands in all of it now.

At the time, each no from God felt so hard and painful, but now I can see He had something better in store for me and my life. If just one of those prayers had been answered differently, my whole world as I know it may not exist now. I’m grateful every day that the Lord knows me better than I know myself. He knows what’s best for me, and He loves me enough to say no, even when I really want a yes.

If you’re feeling bummed about a no in your life right now, let this encourage you that a yes is on the way, and it’s far greater than anything you have imagined.