When God Says "No"

"For I know the plans and thoughts I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)

Since God always has our best interest in mind, why would we question His decision on a matter and ask (sometimes beg) Him to reevaluate the situation when He clearly said, "No?" If we stubbornly persist, He may give us what we want—which often carries grave consequences.

 

King Hezekiah was sick unto death when the prophet Isaiah brought him a word from the Lord: Get your life in order; you will soon die. Hezekiah prayed and wept bitterly before the Lord, reminding Him of his faithful service, asking Him to reconsider his fate. God heard his prayer, saw his tears, and healed him. His “yes you will die” changed to “no, you will not die now.” God granted him fifteen more years.

The son of Babylon's king sent his best wishes and a gift when he heard that King Hezekiah had recovered. Flattered by the attention, Hezekiah showed the Babylonian envoys everything in his palace, storehouses, and armory. After this, Isaiah delivered another message from the Lord: A day will come that the Babylonians will carry off everything in your kingdom, including your sons (because of his pride). Hezekiah selfishly told Isaiah the word was good, thinking well, at least it will not happen during my lifetime.

 God granted Hezekiah’s desire to live, but he did not use his extended time wisely. Manasseh was born and, after Hezekiah’s death, his twelve-year-old son became king, a wicked king. Hezekiah’s longing for longer life carried the costly consequences of an evil son and his kingdom's loss. His selfish prayer coupled with pride proved disastrous (2 Kings 19–20)

God will never scold his children for bringing requests before Him; He invites us to do that. But once He has spoken on a matter—when God says “No” (or yes)—and you beg for a different answer, which He grants, don’t be surprised or upset with the turn of events it may trigger. Those consequences continue long after we leave this life. Instead, as you pray and pour your heart out before the Lord, end your prayer with, “Lord, this is what I want, but more than what I desire, I trust You for what is best.” Avoid selfish prayers; you may get God’s “yes” when His “no” was the best answer.