When God Says No!Sample

Another "no" that hurts is when we don’t inquire or seek the Lord before getting involved, whether that is financially, emotionally, spiritually, physically, sexually, or relationally. Now we’re in too deep, and when the "no" comes, it hurts. This may sometimes cause us to "leave" the church and go somewhere where we might get affirmed. Do we really think that the same God who said no here would say yes elsewhere? Let’s get real.

Inquiring of the Lord before getting involved is crucial. We see examples in scripture where various people got involved before inquiring of the Lord, and they had to live with the consequences of it.

• Joshua and the Gibeonites – Joshua 9:14-15: The Israelites made a treaty with these people only later to figure out they had been deceived.
• Saul Consulting a Medium – 1 Samuel 28:6-7: Instead of waiting on the Lord, Saul sought answers from a medium, which ultimately sealed his downfall.
• David Moving the Ark Without Inquiry – 2 Samuel 6:1-10: David initially failed to seek God’s direction on how to transport the Ark, resulting in Uzzah’s death.
• Samson’s Marriage to a Philistine Woman – Judges 14:1-3: Samson chose to marry a Philistine woman based on his desires rather than seeking God’s counsel, leading to trouble.
• Rehoboam’s Harsh Decision – 1 Kings 12:1-15: King Rehoboam ignored wise counsel and did not seek God, leading to the division of the kingdom.
• Jehoshaphat Aligning with Ahab – 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, 28-34: Jehoshaphat allied with Ahab without seeking the Lord, nearly leading to his death in battle.
• Judah Seeking Help from Egypt Instead of God – Isaiah 30:1-2: The people of Judah made an alliance with Egypt instead of inquiring of the Lord, which led to their downfall.

We must remember that before we get involved or get in too deep, we must inquire of the Lord and wait on the Lord. A "no" from the Lord then hurts a lot less than when we are in too deep.

Prayer

Our Father, help me to rely on You for Your perfect timing. Give me the patience to wait on You before getting involved. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.