When the Answer is No

We’ve all heard parents say to their children, “Not now,” or “absolutely not!” Maybe you’re a parent and have said those words yourself. I have a memory of about 25 years ago concerning a cousin. It was the Christmas season. She came to see us with her little girl who was about five at the time. My father had asked the little girl what she would like for Christmas. She gave her answer to which her mother replied, “I told you, you are not getting a chainsaw for Christmas!” I laughed more at the mother’s adamant response than I did at the little girl’s request. It’s a memory that still makes me laugh out loud today when I think of it.

Of course the little girl was not going to get a chainsaw for Christmas. She obviously didn’t understand it was a ludicrous and dangerous request. She’s all grown up today with children of her own. I have a feeling she no longer desires a chainsaw, but if she did, she’s old enough and mature enough now to own one. Sometimes it’s the same in our spiritual worlds.

Oh, the times we have begged God to do some particular something or grant us this one request. He always answers prayer. Sometimes He says yes. Sometimes He says wait. Sometimes it’s an absolute no. We always want a yes answer, but like my little cousin desiring a chainsaw for Christmas, it’s not always best.

I’m sure we all agree that for any relationship to grow there must be trust. It’s the same in regard to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We must trust that He always has our best interests in His heart of love. Also, keep in mind that He has a different plan for each of us. Some of those plans require that He gives things to us or allows certain situations in our lives in order to best carry out those plans. He may say no to me and yes to you or vice versa. Does He love one more than the other? Of course not. The Lord assures us with His Words in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Sometimes His answers are disappointing to us. When I was a teenager I remember that some of my friends could stay out as late as they liked. I had a curfew. It was disappointing at times. Today I’m so thankful I had those boundaries. What love my parents showed me in setting up such a safety net. Our Heavenly Father loves us even more. There are boundaries. There are “no” answers. We may not understand, but we can always know, His love for us is deeper than the oceans and higher than the skies.

When He says no to our chainsaw requests, just bask in His love and say thank you Father. A thankful heart builds trust. When we trust in the One who loves us immeasurably, contentment grows, no matter the answer He gives.