“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory,” (2 Cor. 1:20, ESV). 

Do you remember a time when God said “no” to you? I do! It was a painful period in my life. I had been fervently praying for God to change a particular situation, but His answer was “No.” After much prayer and reflection on God’s Word, I realized that His “Yes” is “Yes” and His “No” is “No,” and I finally let it go. It wasn’t easy, but after grieving, I was able to thank God because I know He knows what’s best for me. I eventually acquiesced to His will, knowing that Father knows best.

St. Paul understood this clearly. When Paul asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh, he pleaded three times, but God’s answer was a resounding “no!” God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Cor. 12:9b, ESV).

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that when God says “yes” or “no,” it doesn’t just affect me personally. He considers how that “yes” or “no” will impact everyone around me, whether positively or negatively, because it will affect more than just me. So, God answers in a way that brings Him glory. This perspective has helped me look at my requests to God less selfishly and consider “others more significant than yourselves,” (Phil. 2:3b, ESV).

Just like in St. Paul’s case, God always has our ultimate good in mind. He will remove false gods from our hands, not because He is cruel or unwilling to give us our desires, but because He knows better than we do. His “no” is always merciful and just, even when it hurts. He is for us, fighting against what keeps us from Him (Rom. 8:31). He knows our hearts can only be truly satisfied with Himself (John 4:14) and will not tolerate being second in our lives. He knows there is great strength in our weakness because it’s in those times that we cling to Him most fervently.

I pray today that if God has said “no” to you, it’s because He loves you, not because He’s angry or punishing you. He may be moving you from point A to point B, knowing the final outcome that will bring Him the most glory. So, hold on and wait patiently on the Lord … because after God’s “no” often follows God’s “yes”—a blessing greater than we could have imagined if He had said yes in the first place. Peace in Jesus!

Prayer - Lord, thank You that we can stand on Your promises. Thank You that what You have promised us in Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, You will do! Amen!

In Christ’s service,

Rev. Richard S. Cody
Fourth Vice President, Missouri District