When the Answer is "No"

And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.
1 John 5:14 AMP

The other day, I pulled into a parking space, gathered up some papers that were on the seat next to me, opened the door and pushed the button that automatically locks all of my car doors. This time, however, the doors did not lock. I hit the button again, but nothing happened. “What’s wrong with this thing?” I wondered. As I was about to try the button for the third time, It dawned on me that I had failed to take the key out of the ignition. “No wonder the doors won’t lock. This car is too smart to do something that dumb!” I immediately removed my keys, stepped out of the car, hit the door lock button, heard the doors lock, and shut the door.

The more I thought about my car, the more thankful I became that it did not grant my petition to lock the doors. Somehow, it knew that if it had granted me the blessing I was seeking (the locked doors) it would have created a far greater problem for me (my keys locked inside the car.)

When we come to God with certain petitions, we can be eternally grateful that sometimes His answer is “no.” It is important for us to understand that His “no” is not based upon our lack of sincerity, but upon the greatness of His wisdom. He is much too wise to say “yes” to any prayer that would bring us more harm than good if it were granted.

Comments

[Trieste]

I had a similar message via a jar of spaghetti sauce, a hard tile floor, and a dog who wanted to help clean up the mess. As I ignored her pleas to come inside while I swept up broken glass, I realized I'm often the one asking God to "let me in" before His plan is in order - before it's safe for me to be a part of it. Praise God for His wisdom - and for gentle lessons through everyday experiences!