“Learn to love God’s NO; it will always lead to His absolute YES!” 

I don’t know about you, but I am not the best student!  “Learning” for me requires repeated instruction, repeated attempts, visual illustration, focusing and refocusing, aghhh!  It can become quite an ordeal.    However, once I learn, then I’m on the path of practicing and perfecting!

I’ve learned, through much trial and error to “love God’s NO” because it has always lead to His absolute YES!  That is a truth not easily embraced because it requires total trust in God.   It’s so much easier to trust God when things are going our way, when our prayers are being answered exactly the way we asked and everything in our life is aligning according to plan.  But what happens when things don’t seem to be going according to our plan?  What happens when we fervently pray for something and the answer is NO?  To such an extent, that He not only closes a door, but slams it shut right before our very eyes!  Ouch! Those of us with children should understand that very well.

I’ve had doors shut, slammed, nailed down, you name it!  But I assure you, with all of my heart, that each time, no matter how painful, no matter how much I didn’t understand, I’ve been able to look back and say THANK YOU, my God!  During the bruising of a NO, praising and thankfulness does not come easy, it can cause anger, frustration, and even resentment, but that is when our faith and trust in God is truly stretched.  I assure you again, with all of my heart, that when the bruising subsides, your heart will sing with gratitude and the clarity that comes after the storm is beyond words!

I recall praying for a specific job opportunity that I really wanted and God shut the door. Hmmm…more like slammed it!   I was so disappointed.  It wasn’t long after I discovered that it was the best thing that could have happened to me!  God actually delivered me from a bad situation.

Whether you’re praying about a job, a marriage, a friendship, a relationship or a business opportunity, learn to love God’s NO; (or not yet) it will lead to His absolute YES!  The sooner we ‘learn’ that truth, the easier life’s challenges become.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I encourage you to make a mental note of all the amazing things God has done, that have possibly been packaged through a painful situation.  Reevaluate your pain and disappointment; you may discover that He did answer your prayer!  I know He answered mine.