“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the
LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.” JEREMIAH 29:11
We all have days
when it seems like the word we say to our children most frequently is “no.”
Whatever the situation might be, the necessary “no” can be painful for both of
us because as parents we want to give our children many good things. When the
requests go against what we know is best, however, we must say the dreaded word—maybe repeatedly—and encourage our children to adjust and move on.
Although our children don’t always realize it, we aren’t the only ones doling out “no” these days. Sometimes God gives it to us as well. We’ve all prayed for something we thought would be good and heard God’s “no” through circumstances.
At those times, our disappointment and frustration can mount, especially when it concerns something we’ve hoped and planned for. At those times, we should ask ourselves if what we’ve asked for is a good thing or God’s thing. Some things may be good for others, but God knows they are not good for us. When He says no, we can be sure that He doesn’t see us as one of many but as one in particular, with specific needs and personal purpose. Our wisdom is limited, and we have no knowledge of what lies ahead. What might seem good from our perspective may not fit into God’s bigger plan for our lives.
It can be difficult to regroup after God’s “no.” But, just as we teach our children, we need to accept the “no” and move on, even if we don’t understand the reason. Because even if we don’t know where we’re going, we can be confident that God does—and every “no” He says points us back toward a “yes.”
Prayer: Lord, I want a lot of things that seem good, but You know what’s really best. Help me accept when You tell me no. Change my heart so that I want the same things You do. Thank You for the plans You have for me. Amen.
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