Do you struggle with times when God says no to something that for which you have begged and pleaded? Things that you are absolutely sure would bless not just yourself, but your family, friends, even the world at large? I do!
I read a verse last night that spoke volumes to me about human nature.
But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin.
Prior to that time Rehoboam, one of the sons of Solomon, had been a pretty good king. He was following and honoring the Lord. But when he became strong and confident, he also became independent, and he abandoned God, His law, and His principles!
I think that some times we pray for things that aren’t good for us! We want to be emotionally, physically, and financially strong … firmly established. And God says “no.” Not because He doesn’t want to bless us but because He knows our hearts! He knows that we tend towards independence and willfulness. He knows that if He gave us those things, Satan could use them to draw us away from Him. In fact … for most of us … our own sin natures would draw us away!
We think, “Oh not me, Lord! I would use money and power to bless your people.” But God knows our hearts better than we do.
I always took issue with Garth Brooks’ song, Unanswered Prayers, because I don’t believe that prayers go unanswered. I don’t suppose that “Some of God’s Greatest Gifts are Prayers that are Answered with No” flows quite as well but it’s a greater truth!
Some times God says No for our own good!
True, I think that we really don't know the whole story, and I'm not sure our definition of "good" is the same as Gods's. He knows the story, He wrote it! Great post!
Thank you! I'm weary tonight … how are you feeling after your Pilates adventure?
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Great post! God says his ways and thoughts are higher than ours. So he alone knows what is good for us and I guess one day we will know all the reasoning
Thinking of you and your husband at this time.
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Thanks! We are both doing better. My ankles are healing (as long as I stay off them) and he has had no episodes in almost a week. Hoping better days are ahead!
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Great post!! I have always had an issue with that song as well! It is my experience that all of our prayers are answered….maybe not the way we would like but…
He gives us answers in 3 ways
#1. Yes, my child!
#2. Patience child…not yet
or #3. My child, I have something much better planned for you!
The last 2 are the hardest… patience is not high on my attribute list and boy do I have a hard time when His plan is different then the one I thought was right! I am so thankful that He gives me grace and leads me back to His path!!
love ya, friend!!
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I'm not real good at patience either! I suppose that experience has made me better but ….
Praying for you, Kerri!
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