When No Becomes An Amazing Yes

No.

It’s not such a popular word. I mean, really, who likes to be told “no”?

I can remember as a child my parents seemed to say “no” to me often. Oh, I used to get so upset with them. My childish brain thought they were being over-protective and old-fashioned. I figured they wanted to keep a tight reign on their teenage daughter (that wasn’t such a bad idea.), without letting me be me.

It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how much love was behind their each and every no.

Mom and Dad loved me too much to always say yes.

They knew what was best for me. They were doing what they could to protect me, guide me, and love me. And sometimes that meant saying no.

I’m thankful they did.

I find God does the same.

He knows me better than anyone else, which means He also knows what’s best for me. Speaking from experience, oftentimes this may differ from my perceptions, and opinions.

He loves me enough to tell me no when what I’m asking collides with His best.

During those teenage years I had “fallen in love” with a boy about my age. (I thought it was love. It wasn’t.) I remember praying, and asking, and pleading with God for this boy to fall in love with me. It was one of those, “God, I’ll do anything you ask if you just do this” kind of prayers.

God’s answer was no. I couldn’t understand at the time, but years later I became thankful it was.

That boy wasn’t in God’s plans for my future. God had something much better in store. (Nothing against this boy, however.) God knew what He was doing. Even though I didn’t like His answer.

This is just one of many instances in my life where a no was actually God’s best.
It’s in times like these when no becomes an amazing yes.

My parent’s no, was a yes to keeping me safe.

God’s no to my prayer, was a yes to my future.

His no was a yes to His best.

Friend, maybe you know all to well how difficult and discouraging a no can be. Maybe you’re reeling from a big one right now. Maybe you’re questioning, and searching, and even wrestling with the answer. And maybe you’re disheartened, feeling defeated, and oh, so discouraged.

But, take heart.

This no might just be an amazing yes.

God could be revealing His absolute best for you. It’s exciting to think the very One who created you cares about you and loves you enough to say no to anything less than His best.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

I’m with you, friend. Let’s walk this road of trusting God together. I believe we’ll see His no turn into an amazing yes.

Much love,
Julie

 

 

It’s my joy to link this post with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday. It’s a great day to #livefree!