We have been discussing in the blog series “I Want Answers Now”, the four answers God can give for our prayers when there appears to be no answer.
Yes, but not now
Yes, but there is a need for obedience
Yes, but here is a better option
No
One of the most memorable biblical accounts when God said no to a prayer of one of his faithful sons is when David talked to Nathan the prophet, one of his closest advisors, about David’s desire to build a house for God.
Nathan at first gives David two enthusiastic the thumbs up for his plan only to return the following day under a direct word from God. That word was to tell David that he is not the one to build God’s house (1 Chronicles 17). God gave a definitive no to David’s request but seasoned his response with affirmation of David’s calling as king and that the Lord would build a lasting dynasty for him. Little did David know that the messiah, Jesus Christ, would be part of that dynasty. God’s words through Nathan were very encouraging to David even though the answer to his desire to build God’s house was “No”.
It’s important to remember that God promises to hear when we pray (Matthew 7:7). I believe God answers every one of our prayers. But sometimes God gives a “No” answer. We need to give God the ability to say “No” to our prayers.Why? Because He is omniscient – understanding the beginning from the end. The Lord understands how our request will affect others in His kingdom, even on the generations yet to be born.
In David’s case, the Temple was to be built by his son, Solomon. God gave David the ability to help with materials, finances, and building plans but God gave the honor of building to another. In essence, God told David to stay in his lane on the race track of life. David could run his race well and gain reward for his efforts. When it came to building the Temple, David needed to pass the baton to another who would continue to run the race and finish what David began. This is not failure for David, this is divine calling and destiny.
Sometimes we become so emotionally invested in answers to specific prayers, that we become more concerned with getting what we want than in seeing what the Lord wants for us.
We reason: “I must have this person for my future spouse because they are so perfect for me.” “I must have this job because it’s gives me a raise and big step forward in my career”. “I must have this house because it reminds my of my childhood home and is in the ideal neighborhood.” We come up with convincing reasons that seem so perfect that surely God must agree with us. It’s at times like these that a “No” answer seems like personal rejection.
We begin to rationalize the loss. Maybe, “God is upset with me for some hidden sin?” or maybe, “I don’t have enough faith to get what I am asking for?” or maybe, “I’m not gifted enough to be a good steward of the answer?” The sting of rejection can be so real that it causes us to question our faith in God. In reality, God’s “No” is most likely tied into our divine calling and destiny. It’s still painful to experience God’s “No”.
In times of deep disappointment over “No” answers, we need to draw near to God to get comfort and fresh direction for our life.
John Piper writes “He promises to be near to us (Psalm 34:18). He promises to be faithful (Deuteronomy 31:6). He promises that this hurt will end (Revelation 21:4). He promises that when we seek him, he will transform our hearts to desire more of him (Psalm 37:4). He will not leave us in the misery of our disappointment, because he has not finished the work he started in us (Philippians 1:6). He will assure us of his love as we invite him into the struggle we feel.”
“No” may be the end of one prayer but it’s also the beginning of a new prayer that God desires us to request of him. God is not finished with us just because the answer is “No” to a prayer that was emotionally important to us. We can rest in the confidence that God has a better plan. One that will cause us to be even more fulfilled than we originally hoped. We only need ask in faith according to His will and we will receive!
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