Have you ever prayed for something you so desperately wanted, and the answer was no? God shut the door with regard to your request. We are resistant to hearing the word “no”, especially in a culture that is so “yes” oriented.
Depending on the circumstance, it can be heart wrenching. However, when we pray, there are only three answers we can receive. 
Yes, maybe later, or no. Though it isn’t what we want to hear, no is still an answer
We need to have faith that whatever answer The Lord gives is for the best. God always has a reason for the decisions He makes. We may not be able to see the purpose for years, maybe never. However, believing that His will is better than ours gives us peace that things will work out.
Some people believe when God says no, it’s because of a past sin. However, even good Christians don’t have all their prayers answered. Jesus was even told no. Matthew 26:39 reads, Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” No other person had ever been sin free. Yet when Jesus asked the he be released from the cross, God said no.
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BIBLICALLY, WAITING is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be. – John Ortberg, Christian speaker and pastor
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One of the hardest parts of being denied is not understanding the reason why. In most cases, God doesn’t explain his reasons. We need to trust that His choice is the right one. Maybe you’ve prayed for a new job offer. When you didn’t get the job, you couldn’t figure out why God said no. Then two years later the company went bankrupt.
God might also be saying no as a way to protect you. He keeps you from traveling home for the holidays only for you to read 
about that terrible accident on the highway that you would have been caught in. I’m sure a lot of people were disappointed they couldn’t be on the maiden voyage of the Titanic— until it sank.
Sometimes no is for our own good.
God might turn us down because He has something better planned. We don’t always see what the future holds. Only He knows the outcome ahead of time. Trust in Him to know what’s best for you.
No matter the Lord’s response, we must accept the answer and move on. Arguing, pleading, and ignoring Him will not change the outcome.
And remember, a father will only say no with the best intensions of his children.
Has God ever answered you with a no, or made you wait for something you really wanted? Please share your story below.
And if this post has touched you in some way, feel free to share it on your social media sites.
I very much understand this reality – and the painful one that it is. Though I won’t openly share what I have asked God for, suffice it to say, His answer has been a stalwart “NO.” I can’t change His mind and I can’t reach for it myself, so I stand and wonder if I even have the faintest idea concerning what God sees as my best. Time and testing have brought me through many dark valleys and I have been blessed with strength and vision through the process. But this one thing eludes my grasp, and I have to trust that “Father knows best” even when I think He doesn’t.
If you recall, Paul received everything he wanted from God except one thing. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, three times he asked God to remove a thorn in his flesh, but God refused him. Maybe god is turning you into a Paul. Good luck and I’ll throw in an extra prayer. Can’t hurt. 🙂
I had a NO from God. I bargained, begged pleaded hoping I was misreading His answer and He really meant, “Wait”. We wanted a child. What He put in my path was Sam. A little terrier. I was a cat lover. God closed a door then opened a window. I climbed out of my comfort zone.
I gained loving affection, a new understanding of dogs and though it took years of perspective His wisdom has brought me to a closer more powerful relationship with God.
Stephanie,
I’m so glad you fell in love with your dog. I’ve always been a dog fan. They are always so excited to see you when you get home from work. Unlike teenagers who only seem to care when you come home from the grocery store. Thanks for commenting and have a blessed week.