God Answered His Prayer By Saying "No."

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - "…there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." NASU 
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• God Said "No." 

The Apostle Paul asked God three times to remove a thorn in his flesh and God answers his prayer with the equivalent of a "No" answer.
 
God goes on to say that His Grace is sufficient for him. WOW!
 
If one of the Apostle Paul's prayers was given a "No" answer what are the chances that some of our prayers may receive the same answer from God?
 
Many times when we pray we are expecting a "Yes" answer from God and if God answers it with a "No" we have a difficult time excepting His "No" answer.
 
One thing we should remember a "No" answer from God may lead to a more productive life. 

• I've Seen God Say No 

I wanted to go to Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO. in 1978, but God said "No."
 
He then said "Yes" and opened up doors for me to attend Eastern Christian College in 1979. After that He opened up doors for me to start a 20 year ministry in Glen Burnie and Severn, MD.
 
I have often wondered what might have happened had God said "Yes" to my prayer to attend Ozark Bible College.
 
All the friends I have made in Maryland would have never happened. All the people that I have baptized into Christ would not have happened, at least by me.
 
Let me repeat this - One thing we should remember a "No" answer from God may lead to a more productive life. 

• If God Says "No" To One Of Your Prayers 

I believe that when God closes a door it is because He has a better one opened for us. We need to take the time to remember God's Grace is sufficient for us.
 
He really does give us what we need. All one has to do is think about Jesus Christ and how God gave His Son to make it possible that all of our sins are forgiven.
 
If God has said "No" keep your eyes and ears open for the "Yes" answer that He has coming your way. 

• God Has Said "No" To A Lot Of The Bible Greats

God said "No" to Moses leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land. 
God said "No" to David being permitted to build the temple for Him, and
God said "No" to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
 
Since God has said "No" to those Bible Greats we shouldn't be too surprised when He says "No" to us.
 
It is what God will do with us after He says "No" that really counts.
 
Think On This:
 
Keep your chin up and your knees down.

Stay Pumped,
 
Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word