When God Says No

Summer in the UK has been sporadic, thus far, this year, but yesterday was one of the rare warm and sunny days. It even felt hot in the direct sun. Our dog, Jack, prefers cooler days. He’s more energetic and feels good all over. Summer heat drains him. On hot days I keep Jack beneath shaded paths for our walks. Even then, I keep a good eye on our sweet boy, giving him drinks of water along the way.

Yesterday we tramped along a wooded path, but at one point, we had to cross an open field. By the time we got to the other side, smiling and happy Jack was beginning to pant. We continued along beneath trees, but as his panting became more rapid, I knew it was time to go. I put him on his leash and guided him along a path to take us back to our car.

At one point Jack pulled to go in another direction. I knew he wanted to head to the seafront, but I also knew it was too hot to do so. Jack kept pulling. “No, Jack,” I said in my firm voice, “it’s time to go home.” He relented, but every now and again, he tugged to go in another direction. I kept him heading to the car, to a good drink of water, and an air conditioned ride home. It’s not a bad life, really. Jack had settled down along the back seat enjoying the ride home.

I love Jack too much to say yes to everything he wants. It’s the same with our Heavenly Father as He relates to all His children. There are times we want something so badly, like Jack wanting to go the beach, but our Father knows what we are asking won’t be good for us. Father God loves us too much to say yes to everything we want. Remember, unlike me in regard to Jack, as I can only see present danger, our Heavenly Father knows all our tomorrows. He already sees into the next minute of your life and mine. In order to keep us safe, He sometimes needs to say, “no, not now.” Perhaps He says, “no, not ever.”

Whether our Father says, not now, or never, one thing is certain, He has our best interests in His heart. As much as I love Jack, our Father loves us even more. Also, I can make a wrong decision concerning Jack, even with my best intentions. Our Father never makes a wrong decision concerning us. Therefore, when He says, no, we can be assured of His love and of His blessings which come when we heed His voice, obeying all He says to do. What perfect love He has for us.

“Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to turn to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21 NLT).