When God Says No

Have you ever wanted something so bad you can just taste it? You can see it in your mind. You imagine what it would be like. You even make plans for the thing you are wanting. You pray for it. You entrust others to pray for it. You are so sure that it is all going to fall in place.

But God closes the door and you are faced with why? After all, He knew how badly it was wanted. So why would He not let you have it.

This reminds me of Leah. Scripture does not tell us that she wanted badly to be loved by her husband. As a woman, I know she wanted him to love her. We all do, it is who we are as women. We seek to be loved. Loved deeply. Leah thought she could win the love of her husband by bearing sons. It did not work. I am sure she felt defeated. She probably wondered what was wrong with her. It wasn’t until she sought God that her focus changed. She was no longer living to try and gain favor from her husband. She was seeking the Almighty God and she found peace.

As I thought of Leah I changed my whys to whats. What is the lesson in this Lord? What is it that You have for me that I cannot see? What protection have You provided for me in Your “no”?

I may not know the answers to these questions. I do know the One who answers them though. My disappointment turns to peace. My body relaxes in a calm state. I praise Him through all things, especially when He says “no.”