When God Says “No”
“But God replied, ‘No…’.” [Gen 17:19]
No! Do you like being told “no”? If you are anything like me, we already know the answer! I get cross-eyed and cross-ways when I’m told “no.” However, we learn this at a very early age. I’m not sure my parents actually taught the word “no” to me, but I’m guessing I picked up the word much earlier in my childhood than they wanted!
It only gets worse as we get older! When we reach adulthood (sometimes I’m not sure I have reached it), we really don’t like being told “no.” Now, we feel entitled because we are the smartest one in the room or we feel that we deserve the object of our desire.
God promised a son to Abraham and Sarah (formerly known as Abram and Sarai). The problem was that about 15 years have passed and it seems as though God has forgotten His promise. Worse yet, Abraham and Sarah took matters into their owns hands when Sarah suggested Abraham sleep with the maid so they could have a son. Guess what? That is exactly what happened! So, what’s the problem? It was not God’s plan, nor did it fulfill His promise. Uh oh! What are we going to do now?
God once again appears to Abraham to inform him that Sarah is going to birth a son at the ripe old age of 90! Abraham calculates that he will be 99 when the child is conceived and 100 by the time the son is born. Consequently, he laughs! Impossible! So, Abraham gives God a plan that seems a more logical choice – just bless the son of the maid and let’s move on to something else. But God replied, “No”.
Ever suggested a “better” plan or an “alternative” plan to God? You are most likely much smarter than me because I have done just that on many occasions. And God has told me “no” every single time! You would think I would’ve learned my lesson! Oh, I’m getting better, much better, but sometimes, God just doesn’t seem to get my timetable and I find myself suggesting a plan to God that makes sense to me. When did I become so wise?
May I give you the score of God versus me? God’s track record is perfect. He has been right 100% of the time! Me? 0%! His plan is always better! His plan is perfect! His plan has protected me from disaster and even death on multiple occasions! When will I learn?
Do you believe that God is good? Do you believe He is kind? Author Tara-Leigh Cobble says, “And we can rest assured that when God says no, it’s His kindest possible answer.”
How do you respond when God says “no”?
