Disappointment
When God Says "No"
What should we do when God says, “No”? That’s a good question. I think I’m writing this post for me, though, maybe some of you have wondered the same thing. Dealing with disappointment is always difficult. I tell myself that God knows best and He is always right. I trust Him completely as He has proved Himself over and over. So, why then, do I still feel disappointed when I discover that His answer is not the one I wanted to hear? The short answer is: I’m human. The long answer is: I’m human, I’m flawed and sometimes weak and spoiled. I want things to go my way all the time. To be truly honest, I want my will to be God’s will instead of the other way around! But that’s not how things work.
Recently, my husband and I have had a disappointment as to what we wanted the next bit of our lives to look like. We placed our desire and our dream before God and prayed while we waited for His answer. It seemed as if He were pointing us in the direction we had hoped. Doors were opened - Opportunity knocked, so to speak, and we took steps forward in faith. But then, the door shut once again.
Ooooh! Discouragement and disappointment promptly followed. I know, however, that God doesn’t want me to be discouraged. He wants to bless me with His plan. It is the enemy who enjoys my disappointment and I certainly don’t want to do anything that will make that one happy!
So, I ask again, “What should we do when God says, ‘No’”?
The answer is found in His word. God tells us to come to Him and lay everything before Him. He wants us to trust Him for His answer and remember that He “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Our God is a good and loving Father who will always give us what we need rather than simply what we want. When I am disappointed in His answer to my prayer, I need to remember that His “no” is simply part of his wonderful plan. He sees so much more than I can. He knows the future. He knows what is going to happen in my life and so, when He closes a door in front of me it is for my own good. It is for my protection. It is for my growth. His “no” paves the way on the road to His purpose.
And so, when I am disappointed, I will come to my Father, thanking Him for loving me. I trust Him and I know that He knows what is best for me. I will not worry. Instead, I will receive His peace while I await the revelation of His plan.
In His grip,
Recently, my husband and I have had a disappointment as to what we wanted the next bit of our lives to look like. We placed our desire and our dream before God and prayed while we waited for His answer. It seemed as if He were pointing us in the direction we had hoped. Doors were opened - Opportunity knocked, so to speak, and we took steps forward in faith. But then, the door shut once again.
Ooooh! Discouragement and disappointment promptly followed. I know, however, that God doesn’t want me to be discouraged. He wants to bless me with His plan. It is the enemy who enjoys my disappointment and I certainly don’t want to do anything that will make that one happy!
So, I ask again, “What should we do when God says, ‘No’”?
The answer is found in His word. God tells us to come to Him and lay everything before Him. He wants us to trust Him for His answer and remember that He “causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Our God is a good and loving Father who will always give us what we need rather than simply what we want. When I am disappointed in His answer to my prayer, I need to remember that His “no” is simply part of his wonderful plan. He sees so much more than I can. He knows the future. He knows what is going to happen in my life and so, when He closes a door in front of me it is for my own good. It is for my protection. It is for my growth. His “no” paves the way on the road to His purpose.
And so, when I am disappointed, I will come to my Father, thanking Him for loving me. I trust Him and I know that He knows what is best for me. I will not worry. Instead, I will receive His peace while I await the revelation of His plan.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
In His grip,
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19 Comments
Thank you very much for writing this. I am thankful I read this today. We, as a family, have also to handle with no's in the past years. It has a function. But I do not see it always. Very glad with the spiritual and personal lesson in your blog. Greetings from me in Holland. http://kostbaar.blogspot.nl/
ReplyDeleteI think that most of us will face disappointments in our lives. But God will always do the right thing! As I am learning this, my faith and trust in Him is growing - that in itself is a blessing! I may not always understand why God does things the way He does, but I can always trust that His way is the best way!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Hi Joan! I am just like my two year old granddaughter. I don't like to hear 'no'. And I've heard a lot of them in my life. You'd think I'd get used to it. I'm so sorry about your 'no' recently. It's not fun. But I love your attitude about going to Scripture, and trusting in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteYour decision to not worry is such a beautiful one. God asks us to trust, not worry. I know he is so proud of you!
Great post today :)
Ceil
Thanks, Ceil! I think many of us are like two year olds! LOL "No" is a very unwelcome word. However, when we trust God, we know in our hearts that even a "no" is a positive thing. The more we understand that, the greater the peace we experience in our souls. I know God wants what is best for me and so, I'm placing my future in His loving hands!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Joan, you seem to always hit a sensitive nerve of my soul in your posts. Funny how that works! :) I don't like getting those "nos" either, and often my patience, trust, and faith is put to the very test! It isn't easy, on most days. I actually have listed Philippians 4:607 as one of my life verses...one I'll probably keep working on and applying to my life for as long as I'm breathing!! Thanks for sharing, friend!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day! Ann
It can be difficult to fully trust, can't it? But as we continually come to Him, He will give us the strength to do so. God's wisdom is so far above us, we can't even fathom it. But, because of His wisdom, I can rest securely in Him, knowing He's "got my back"! :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
I couldn't have said it better myself, Joan! I am currently working on a sermon called "Attitude of Gratitude 365." One of the points talks about being grateful through trust, specifically focusing on how when we ask for something and it doesn't look like the "right" answer, we have to trust God in that.
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton for sharing your thoughts over at #EverydayJesus.
Oh yes, remembering to focus on the things we are thankful for helps us to accept God's answers even if they don't align with what we had been hoping! He does so much for us. In fact, everything He does is part of His great plan for our lives. That in itself is something to be grateful for!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Great Post! Thanks for sure encouraging words. All things always work out for His glory but for our good. All we need is to trust him.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to consider this post: http://nontokozomaposa.blogspot.com/2014/02/for-my-good-but-for-his-glory.html
I'm so glad you were encouraged! Remembering that He works things out for the good helps us to trust Him in all things! His plan is always the best one!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
'so, when He closes a door in front of me it is for my own good. It is for my protection. It is for my growth. His “no” paves the way on the road to His purpose'
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with this statement! I know it can be hard and damaging to our faith when doors close or don't even open. I've been dealing with seeking after a promise God has given me, but yet to see the fruit. So I know it can be hindering to our spirits, but God is in the business of growth. He wants us to grow in him.
Found your blog through the Counting My Blessings linkup
Blessings to you and keep all eyes upon Jesus xos Hebrew 12:2
Christianalove.blogspot
Yes, it is difficult. But God wants us to await His answers and the revelation of His plans with expectancy and hope! With His help I am learning how to keep my faith strong during this time. Each day I think to myself, "This might be the day when God shows me the next part of His plan!" Thanks for coming by today from Deb's blog!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Nos are hard. Like a spoiled child I've even thrown a temper tantrum or two because of His no, but through them I've learned that He knows what is best and often says know to protect me. Now to consistently ditch the tantrums and trust with faithfulness! {{hugs}}
ReplyDeleteI think the temper tantrum is one of the easiest (and most common) responses! LOL It takes faith to trust God and His answers. But, the more we come to know Him and His character, the easier trusting Him becomes. I'm looking forward to the day when peace is my first response rather than the last! <3
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joan
Me too, Joan. Me too!
ReplyDeleteamen, thanks for posting this. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! May God bless you as well!
ReplyDeleteJust what I needed to hear this morning...
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, Anita! Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteJoin the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)