When No or Wait Finally Becomes Yes

Everyday millions of prayers get lifted up. The answers to many of those prayers is either a "no" from God or a "wait." When God gives a "no" it is for our own glory and our own good. We may not see it that way. So many of us really think we know what is best for our lives. We have our plans, our desires, our hopes and dreams. We ask, plead, knock, and seek. And God at times responds with a no.

The healing does not come. The new job opportunity goes to someone else. While asking and knocking on doors to be opened they remain firmly closed. While we may plead and even believe for a "yes" from God, He often gives a "no".

I think as much as any other response to my prayers over the years has been God saying, "Wait." We wait for days, weeks, and even months. In some cases we wait for years. In our fast paced lifestyles we don't like waiting for anything. Not at the drive through. Not at the doctor's office. Not for the test results. Not for a student waiting for a birthday or to get a driver's license.

God uses the tool of waiting to reshape His children. In the waiting seasons people are given the choice to give up or to keep believing. In this way faith is strengthened. During the waiting periods people also learn the character of God. They learn God is infinitely wise. They learn He is firmly in control. They learn God is faithful.

God followers still do not like "no" or "wait." I think of young adults seeking and asking God for a spouse. I think of one young lady I met a couple of years ago. She is a dedicated disciple of Jesus serving Him and waiting on a spouse. The Lord awoke me early during a revival in her church to pray about this on her behalf. Since then the burden returns from time to time. She looks. She asks. God has said "no" to all potential spouses. Why? Because He does not love her? Or could it be God has negated other choices because His best is better than all of them if she will keep waiting.

Some people in the same situation get tired of hearing "no" or "wait" and take matters into their own hands. The results are usually painful.

Maybe God has said "no" to something you really wanted. What will you do next? Will you trust and wait in expectation for the day He says "yes"? Will you give up and do what you think is right in your own eyes?

God's "nos" and "waits" are for our own welfare. It may not seem that way. It may not appear God has our best interest at heart.

If anybody knew about this it would be Abraham. God promised him a son. Years went by without a son. Finally Abraham took matters into his own hands and had a son through a servant girl. We are still reaping the devastating results of that decision to this day. Finally the day came when God said yes. Genesis 18:1-15 (ESV) 
¹  And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.
²  He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth
³  and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
⁴  Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree,
⁵  while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
⁶  And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.”
⁷  And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly.
⁸  Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
⁹  They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.”
¹⁰  The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
¹¹  Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.
¹²  So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?”
¹³  The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’
¹⁴  Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
¹⁵  But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

Two elderly people well past child bearing age conceived and gave birth to a miracle child named Isaac because God eventually said "yes".

Joseph wanted his freedom. God said "no" and "wait" for a long time. Things went from bad to worse. God eventually said "yes" and the impossible happened. He went from the dungeon to the palace overnight. He became second in command as a foreigner and former slave. Only God could do that . When God gave His "yes"it was was beyond anything Joseph could have imagined.

Keep trusting and waiting for God's "yes". He knows best. His "no" and "waits" are preparing us for His better "yes". Praise His name when He affirms His will and direction.