It's True: GOD Does Say "No."
- Many Christians are asking God to say "YES." There in good company. The apostle Paul learned personally the reason for God saying "no" (2 Corinthians 12:9). GOD saying "no" is matter of reality. Example: It has always been God's will to place limits on you. Many are limited in their physical abilities. Others may face financial, mental and emotional limitations. Discerning believers understand the importance of respecting the limits that God applies to each of us. Yet there are many Christians in a state of complaining about limitations that seem to restrict their desires and dreams. Even when parents wisely say "NO" by placing limits on their own children, they often hear murmurings due to the limits placed upon them. Yet, GOD saying "NO" to YOU is a matter of necessity.
- The harsh reality to your complaining of God saying "no" is ultimately about the limits God has placed on you. Your complaining is quite revealing that you have yet to turn away from bad management of your reactions to God within your limitations. Tragically, many of us have been seduced and poisoned with unrealistic expectations. The limitations we experience is God's way of working on our behalf in ways that are beyond our control and understanding. This was certainly the case for Gideon in the face of intense opposition (Judges 6). Gideon learned that his limitations do not limit God.
- It wasn't until king David reached the limit of his emotional despair; as he was facing the loss of his family and death by mutiny, that he returned to the Lord. Just when time was running out, David repented, recalled how God had blessed him in the past, refocused his attention to God's power, remembered God's promises, and resolved to trust God. He simply made up his mind that he would trust the Lord whatever the cost in the present. God saying NO to David literally saved his live.
- It is when Christians respect the limitations God places before them, that they will resolve to answer God's will as did Gideon, David, Hannah and many others; to abide in the reality of why God says no. Whatever your fears to God saying no, acknowledge His determination to lead you through whatever pressure He has permitted. You will take great pleasure knowing that God's grace is sufficient. GOD SAYS NO TO PERSUADE YOU TO SAY YES (Romans 8:38,39).
- Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger