But, What If You Say, No?

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:” 1 John 5:14.

My grandson Ezail is eight years old and knows just how to get my attention. Often, he desires for me to get something he really wants…on one such occasion he came with a very serious face, looking at me saying “Grandma, I want to ask you something, but I am afraid you will say no.” My reply with a smile, was “well sweetie, you have to ask and find out, and if I say no, there has to be a very good reason, so don’t be afraid to ask, what do you want?

Many times, as beloved children of God, we too like Ezail desire to ask for something that we desire, but are hesitant about the outcome, we are aware that God answers our prayers in several ways- yes, no, or wait. But, when we really, really want something, there is an underlying fearful spirit that says- but what if He says, no?

The Word of God is our guiding light and dispels the fears that hinder our prayers-first and foremost we are told to come boldly before the throne of grace.  “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:1.6.

But the question still remains deep down in the heart…but what if He says no to the object that I desire…my friends, our confidence is in the fact that what we have asked for is in accordance with His divine purposes; when we are not in alignment with God’s will, we are not operating the way that we are designed! “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8.

As we go into prayer, we have a wonderful promise found in 1 John 5:14 that helps to quiet the soul- “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”  We can rest in the peace, confidence, an assurance, that if we have ask our Heavenly Father for anything in accordance with His will, He hears us-and He will answer in the affirmative! “And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:15.

God knows what is best for every last one of His beloved children; even as humans don’t we lovingly give the very best to our children?… “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?” Matthew 7:11.

So, do you truly believe that Our Heavenly Father will do even greater things both spiritual and temporal for us? Psalm 84:11 gives us these words of assurance… “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

What are you bringing before the throne of grace today-is it in alignment with the will of God? Rest in the comfort of knowing the even when you just don’t have the words to say…the Holy Spirit intercedes…because He knows the will of the Father…”And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans.” 8:27.

My friends, God is willing and able to give you  the desires of your hearts…the key is as David wrote in Psalm 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” May we all resolve to wholeheartedly let go, submitting to His will for our lives-as our Lord stated in Luke 22:42b- “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”  God is faithful….you just ask!

God blessings of grace and mercy be with you all.

3 Comments

  1. Antonette Nelson on February 29, 2024 at 1:38 pm

    I needed this and will share with my family. We are in a season of bereavement and some don’t understand that having faith means to trust God for His plan and allowing room for His no.

    • Violetra Ward on March 1, 2024 at 1:41 pm

      Amen Sis…my prayers are still going up for you all everyday.

  2. Louise on March 1, 2024 at 4:27 pm

    But, God!!!

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