When God Says No

By Roberta Ley 

No one likes to be told no.  No one likes rejection.  When it comes from someone important, it is even harder to accept.  When it comes from God, it is the hardest of all things to understand.  After all, He says in Luke 9:11 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.  Knock and it will be opened to you.”  So why do you get “no” answers when you pray earnestly for “yes?”

There are probably as many answers to that question as there are people who ask it, but for now consider these two.  First, is what you’re asking for in God’s plan for you and second, why are you asking for it?

In the first instance, look at it this way.  You know that God is calling you into mission work, but you are praying for a house and a good job.  God is not going to give you something that is going to keep you tied down and reluctant to let go when He calls you to the field.  Perhaps He’s keeping you in that tenuous circumstance so you have the freedom to answer the call to go.  Likewise if you’re praying for a spouse and family.  Maybe it’s God’s plan that you remain single in order to serve Him without family responsibilities.

When you ask God for material things, consider what He’s already asking you to do for His kingdom.  If the desires you seek are going to interfere with your calling, God is very likely to say “no” to those questions.  When you line up your requests with God’s plan, rather than the other way around, you’re more often going to get a “yes”.

Similarly, check your motive for asking for certain things.  Why do you think you need or want that thing?  Will it further the kingdom or enhance your ministry?  Or is it simply a desire or vanity item?

God encourages his children to seek Him for all their needs.  He wants to be there for you and provide all that you could possibly want or need, but He wants you to seek Him first and foremost.  Whenever you go to Him in prayer on behalf of yourself, you should always consider His plan first.  Tell him what you want or need, and then ask if it lines up with what He has called you to do.  Make sure that what you ask for is in line with His will.  Then seriously listen for His answer.  Sometimes what you may take for a “no” may simply be a “not now” or “wait”.

Your Heavenly Father has no desire to see you in need.  He wants to lavish His idea of success all over you.  He came that you could have an abundant and filled life, and have it at His hand.  Trust Him to provide not only what you need, but all that you desire in His will.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us to “ . . .seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you”.  It’s about Him first.