Today I had to say, no. I don’t like saying no to my kids. I want to be a part of giving them their hearts desires.
God feels the same way.
And like us, He answers His children in three ways:
- Yes.
- Not yet.
- I’ve got something better. (In other words, no)
We like yes.
Hannah got a yes when she prayed to have a child.(1 Samuel 1:26-28)
We don’t like to wait.
Waiting can look like a no.(Sometimes I think waiting is worse than, the no) So why might we get a NOT yet? Well maybe we have some work to do. We might not be ready in terms of our attitude, associations, assets ( our financial situation), location, or emotional state, etc. We may have some work to do before that request is granted Or it may be that what we have prayed for isn’t ready…yet.( 2 Chronicles 7:14)
And we really don’t like getting a no.
So when I pray for my hearts desires, pray in God’s will and I don’t get my fast food yes I can become frustrated with God. He seems to be holding back. I want to ask ,WHY? I know I most likely will not get an answer so I need to rely on what I do know. Jesus even got a no, Matthew 26:39.
- I have a GREAT God.
- I have a Good God.
- And my GREAT and Good God loves me.
Trust. I must trust in the wisdom of his no because he loves me even more that I can imagine.
And at the end of the day what I really want is God’s best for me …because it is God’s best.
My Heavenly Father knows best.
How do you deal with the not yets and something better answers to prayer?
With faith, hope, and love,
Lori
© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.
