When God Says 'No'

Do you ever have those times when God sends you a particular verse that will not let you go? That resonates so deeply you think of it every single day? He gave me one of those a few weeks back and I knew I had to share it with you:

"God's strong hand is on you; He'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 The Message

As I read your blogs, so many of them are filled with hopes and dreams for life and ministry. So many are filled with praises for healed loved ones, opportunities the Lord has presented to bring Him Fame, anticipation of a new job, thanksgiving for a redeemed soul. And then there are the others. Chronicles of loss, heartache, and confusion as to why God said 'no' to the requests of your hearts.

I find myself in a similar season. Nothing so devastating as what many of you are experiencing, but a time of waiting and wondering nonetheless. God has orchestrated a potentially exciting opportunity for ministry; however, I have no concrete answers about whether it will come to pass or the details of what my life will look like if it does. Don't you despise waiting for the 'yes' or the 'no', no matter what the circumstance may be?

As I've prayed this thing through, God gave me this most assured word I just quoted to you from 1 Peter and it has comforted me in such a deep place. God is most careful with me. My soul sighs at the thought. The God of the Universe is so very careful about the 'yes' and 'no' He allows into my life. He knows the effect of both and whether they will serve for my good and His Glory. He comprehends if I can handle new pressures, if what I think I desire will actually be to my families' detriment, and if the end would not be the good thing He promised. He grieves when the 'no' results in great pain - when the healing doesn't come (except ultimately of course), when dreams are unrealized, when the child just doesn't get it. But in all of it, He is most careful, gentle, and wise in which path He sets our feet upon.

My prayer for you today is that you would accept this care. That you would cease striving and allow God to exercise His own due diligence on your behalf. Whatever the answer is you are seeking, it will be the best one. Even if the answer isn't what you wanted, you can live carefree knowing God's strong hand is on you - guiding, comforting, and lifting you up in due time.

All of this because He loves you so very much.

Please visit my personal blog, The Preacher's Wife.