When God Says No

When God Says No

Bible: Isaiah 25:1-5

Reading

In perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago (V.25).

When I was signed up to the military at eighteen years old, as all young Singaporean men are, I prayed for an easy posting. A clerk or driver, perhaps. Not having a strong build, I hoped to be spared the more intense combat training. But one evening as I read my Bible, one verse leaped off the page: “My grace is sufficient for you …” (2 CORINTHIANS 12:9).

My heart dropped—but it shouldn’t have. God had answered my prayers. Even if I got a difficult posting, He would provide for me.

And so I ended up as an armoured infantryman, doing things I didn’t always enjoy. Looking back now, I’m grateful God didn’t give me what I wanted. The training and experience toughened me physically and mentally and gave me confidence to face up to future challenges.

In Isaiah 25:1-5, after talking about Israel’s coming punishment and then rescue from her enemies, Isaiah praised God for His plans. All these “wonderful things,” Isaiah notes, had been “planned long ago” (V.1), yet they included some terrible times and trials.

It can be hard to hear God saying no, and even harder to understand when we’re praying for good things, like a friend to get better or for us to do well in our school work. That’s when we need to hold on to the truth of God’s good plans. We may not understand why He does what He does, but we can keep trusting in His love, goodness and faithfulness.

WHEN GOD SAYS NO, HE HAS A PLAN.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries