When God Says No -- Meditation #15

The Bible Says:

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this, I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2Corinthians 12:7-9 New American Standard Bible

In this lesson from 40 days of prayer http://bit.ly/fh6UfA Dr. Alvin VanderGriend directs us to think beyond answered prayer and consider our reaction to when God says "no"

Kids often struggle with no answers. In behavioral science, we often look for antecedents to kids "acting out" and tantrum issues. One common antecedent to acting out behaviors is being told no.

When my kids were younger, I used to tell them "accepting this no without "melting down"might increase the chance that I will say yes next time."

Often my decisions were in response to something they asked for that just was not good for them at that time. Their decision to accept the no answer without acting out shaped their behavior to know that as a mom; I am not always going to say yes!!

Paul in this Lenten meditation, has been told no by God after seeking God's face for an issue three times. Dr. VanderGriend points out that though God told Paul no, God taught him about his all-sufficient grace and about His power.

Like a loving parent, God knows what's best for us.

Prayer,

Lord, help us to understand your sovereign will for our lives. Give us grace to understand the things we've waited and longed for and have not received. Amen.