Day Fifty “Sometimes No”
Three times he implored, waiting for the desired answer. Please make this go away, I can’t handle it anymore, my life would be so much more effective and easier if You would just say yes! These are not the rantings of an impatient child trying to sway a reluctant parent, but the sincere prayer of a seasoned child of God, asking His Father to grant the desire of his heart.
Paul was the quintessential preacher of the New Testament era, a man who had previously persecuted the early church in Jerusalem, so much so that those Christians fled over 100 miles to the city of Damascus to escape his wrath. On the long road to that historic city, Paul experienced a miraculous meeting with the risen Savior. Although temporarily blinded by “a light from heaven,” he was also saved by THE Light of salvation. His life was changed in a brief moment of time, and this infamous persecutor of the early church became its strongest advocate. But Paul was left with a handicap. We are not told the details of his “thorn in the flesh,” but we are told that he asked the Lord three times to remove that infirmity, “…that it might depart…” God looked at His precious child, shook His head no, and reminded Paul that “…my (God’s) grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that Paul would be more effective for the kingdom of God with that burdensome infirmity. Paul responded as a trusting child, “…therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me” He accepted God’s no.
Nothing is harder for a parent than to look into a child’s eyes and deny their request, especially when you know that the negative response may cause them temporary pain. But sometimes saying no is the best for them; you have to deny the present request in lieu of a future benefit. Sometimes that intense parental love requires a NO.
In like manner, sometimes our Father says no, and to be honest, I don’t always understand why. According to my human logic, a yes not only makes sense, but also would make my life more blessed. That leaves me with one recourse, and that is simply to rest in the knowledge that He is a loving Parent and wants only the best for me. He promises to answer us when we call upon Him in our troubles, but be reminded that sometimes the answer is no.
Psalm 86:5-6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
Lord, You always answer when I call upon You; help me to be so confident of Your love that I can accept a no, even when it may cause me pain. Remind me that You are in control of my life, You love me, and You know the best course for me.
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