When No Is The Best Answer From God

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 - "…for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me — to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  NASU
 

• God Says No For A Reason 

The apostle Paul asked God three times to remove a thorn from his flesh and God's answer was "No." God goes on to say, His Grace is sufficient for him.
 
WOW!
 
The apostle Paul was told "no" by God. What do you think our chances are of hearing a "No" to one of our prayers from God?
 
I find it interesting that when I am asking God for an answer to a specific prayer I want the answer to be "yes" but I have found a "no" answer may lead to a more productive life. 

• When God Said, "No" To Me 

I was converted to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1975. In 1978 I met Don DeWelt, who was a professor at Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO. I wanted to attend OBC and become a preacher after hearing him teach God's Word.
 
All I needed was my five acres of land to sell. So, I could use the money to help support my family while in college. God said, "No." The college semester started and the land had not sold. Needless to say, I didn't accept the "no" from God like a Christian who trusted God should have.
 
It took a few months for me to come to grips with God's will and let me say this, "I regretted the attitude I had for quite some time."
 
Once I got my attitude adjusted and I was back on track it was no big deal God can still use me as a Christian. I don't have to be a preacher to be used by God. 

• God Was Opening Another Door 

Professor Dan Dyke was working to get me to come to Eastern Christian College in Bel Air, MD. At the same time, Dave Berresford was trying to get me to attend Eastern New Mexico State University in Roswell, NM.
 
I filled out and submitted the paperwork and left the rest in God's hands. I can honestly say my emotions were neither up nor down this time. It was whatever God wanted.
 
I did attend Eastern Christian College in 1979 as God said, "Yes." I went from ECC to the First Christian Church of Glen Burnie and served the Lord there for 20 years.
 
As I look back I can say, "God knew exactly what the best course for me was." But for me to get there I had to hear God say, "No."
 
If God has said, "No" to one of your prayer requests please learn from my mistake. Don't get upset with God. Say to yourself "God knows best and I will trust Him with all my heart." 

• God Has Said No To These Bible Greats 

Moses heard God say, "No" to leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land.
 
David heard God say, "No" to being permitted to build the Temple.
 
Jesus heard God say, "No" in the Garden of Gethsemane.
 
Since all of these Bible Greats have heard God say, "No" don't be surprised if God says "No" to some of our prayers.
 
It is what He will do with you after He says, "No" that counts.
 
Oh, by the way, God sold my five acres of land four weeks after the OBC semester started in 1978.
 
Think About This:
 
Keep Your Chin Up and Your Knees Down.

Stay Pumped,
 
Gary A. Serago
 
Minister of God's Word