There are times in our lives when God literally just flat out tells us “No”. The “No”doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t deserve what you’re asking for. The very thing you’re asking for can bring much honor, glory and praise to him. But, if his “No” isn’t connected to him being magnified then what? His “No” could possibly stem from you’re not called to do that.
Church has always been a firm foundation in my life. Growing up I really wanted to sing (I can’t sing). That was the gift I wanted to exalt God’s name with. I mean I wanted to sing my precious little heart out. Well, God had other plans and not to mention he protected me from the ridicule I would have received by my peers. He simply said, “No.” to a desire but graced me with a more rewarding gift (dance). Like David I just wanted to please God in anyway. And, like David I had to graciously take his “No” and accept the bigger picture.
After, all the abundant things God did for David. He just wanted to give thanks by building God an amazing temple. This idea was so precious to him. It was dear to his heart. This is one of the many reasons that he’s known for being, “A man after God’s on heart.” He just wanted to serve. With this game changing idea David even created the blueprint to this immaculate temple. When consulting with God came around his answer wasn’t what he expected. Matter of fact it was heart breaking to have a vision so vivid disrupted with a gentle “No”. See David wasn’t a builder. David was a mighty man of valor, he was a warrior, a solider, a fighter, a pslamist and a King. God’s “No” wasn’t a punishment but more of a path change. See David was jumping in front of himself. His vision wasn’t his own. Actually, his blueprint was the set up for his legacy.
Now, lets gets candid. I’m currently trying to become “A woman after God’s own heart.” (it isn’t an easy task and I’m seriously questioning how David accomplished this lol). In the bible we’re told that God will give us the desires of our hearts. How many of us can take a “No” to our desires? Who, can honestly say they would put their desires aside because God simply said, “No?” Easier said than done, huh?
Accepting God’s candid decisions can be ripping for the average human. But a servant will humbly take heed to these instructions and be pleased by the answer of the almighty.
In 2 Chronicles 6:7-9 David’s son Solomon revisits this candid “No” by saying,“Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. But the Lord said to my father David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a house of My name, you did well that it was in your heart. Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be the born to you, he shall build the house for My name.’” How many of us would have taken this “No” as a punishment or a form of rejection from God? Many are ignorant to developing a mature spirit and real relationship with God. His humble servant would have surely taken this as a redirection and immediately recognize that all things done by God ALWAYS work out for our good.
I encourage my readers to practice accepting a “No” from God. Practice looking at his answers from a vertical point of view (his will) rather than a horizontal point of view (your will). You will be amazed on what you find out about yourself and about your creator. As you strengthen your trust in God his “No” could end up becoming a “Yes” in hindsight.