Why is it that we humans are so hung up on getting that ‘yes’ to our every query? I know that’s not the most magnificent way of starting out a conversation, but I wanted to just make the big splash in fewer words.
Is it that ‘no’ feels like a rejection of us as a person? Of course, no one wants to experience that!
But are we mistakenly pushing back on a potential blessing — or learning opportunity (nice way to say life lesson)?
There’s no extraordinary theological revelation here, Sister, just one of those moments when GOD allowed the scales to fall from my eyes and my perspective of things was suddenly adjusted — and my attitude began to follow suit.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” Exodus 13:17 New International Version
I hope that I’m not alone when I say that when GOD tells me ‘no,’ I feel disappointed. Anyone else out there? When hours, days, weeks are poured into prayer and you believe you’ve heard Him correctly … then the answer is ‘no,’ kinda feels like a deflating balloon. Just to soften the blow to my ego, I’ll tell myself, ‘He probably means ‘maybe or not yet.’
When my eyes fell upon this verse in Exodus … the Israelites must have felt something similar. After all that they had endured, GOD was directing them through an unexpected path to their destination; one that was longer. I don’t know about you, but I would’ve been the one scratching my head with one eyebrow lifted, tempted to ask Moses if he heard GOD correctly.
But go back and read again the verse in Exodus, Friend. GOD was looking out for their best interests (as He always does), because He knew they would be tempted to return to Egypt (enslavement) if they were looking with only their physical eyes and seeing their circumstances.
So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. Exodus 13:18. New International Version
The Lord’s ‘no’ spared the His People the agony and regret of returning to their enslaved lifestyle. But they had to trust Him for that journey and the outcome.
How many times have I felt utter disappointment and despair at the sound of GOD’s ‘no’ to my request, only to experience a much fuller and richer answer waiting for me on the other side?
This day, I am thankful for the times GOD has said ‘no’ to my requests. It’s taking a lifetime to wrap my tiny brain around this shade of gratitude, but I can almost say, ‘yes’ to His ‘no’ with greater appreciation for the fact it is all about His unconditional love for me.
Whatever you are dealing with today, Sweet Friend, that has you puzzled and maybe angry and confused — those things that you were certain would rain down a ‘yes’ from GOD — only to hear Him say ‘no’ … I encourage you to take it to Him in prayer. Let Him hear your disappointment. Shed those tears — He collects those, you know. And allow Him to pour peace over you as He speaks to your situation.
There’s a better answer waiting for you. Let Him show you.
And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. Exodus 14:13 English Standard Version
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 
Love your perspective. It too has taken me years to be content with the no’s in my life, and still struggle with today.
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Sharon: I think that for as long as we are on this side of Paradise, we will always wrestle with the initial ‘sting’ of GOD’s ‘no’ in times of receiving that anticipated ‘yes.’ But take heart, Friend, in that your relationship with Him comforts you no matter the answer. He is yours and you are His.
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