WHEN THE ANSWER IS "NO" or "WAIT"

Responding to God's Answers to Prayer

When the answer is no – It is many times difficult to hear "no" to a request for something that we want or feel that we need. But when we are in relationship with God and we begin to ask Him for what we want and need, we will at times receive the answer "no"to a prayer. Although we may not like it at the time, trust that His "no" response is for the best. We don’t always know the plans that Christ has for us or what is coming around a corner in life.

When we receive a "no" answer and later realize what may have happened if we had received what we asked for, we begin to appreciate God's response to us. In our growing spiritual maturity and trust in God, we see His response from a different perspective. No is a keeper, No is a protector, No is a Blessing and No is a provide - because this is the moment that the Lord will give you what you need. It is the wisdom of the Lord to walk in a no to keep your emotions steady and unruffled. What God has for you is for you - you find that out after the peace comes after no.

When The Answer Is Wait

What I’ve learned from waiting that it shows the areas in our lives God is working on, informing us that we are not ready for certain things and that it is not quite time for others. But it will reveal purpose, vision and direction in areas of your life that are being blessed. And most of all your prayer life is made strong because what was promised as not manifested itself yet. As it lingers in your heart, you can’t help but pray about and WAIT for it to come for it will surly come. Habakkuk 2:3 - For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Waiting is a ministry in itself - it holds in place like cement and strengthens us as Believers in our faith and trust in God.

How do I know if God's answer is no vs. wait?
More time in the word of God will help in this area because spending more time with God will bring clarity and revelation when there is confusion.

When you are redirected
The more we learn about God, the more we learn that His Nature and Character do not change, but He is constantly leading and guiding us so that we can adjust and adapt to our ever-changing lives and the world around us. While God is consistent, He is by no means stagnant.

As we spend more time with God, we must remain in a place to be responsive to Him when He shifts us or leads us in a new direction according to the timing and season in our lives. It is easy for us to get into a spiritual "comfort zone" - going to church, serving in the same area year after year or not serving at all, praying in the same way at the same time, etc. Being in this place can diminish the joy of our relationship with God and can make it difficult to hear or adjust when God redirects us. Staying close to God helps our ears to stay tuned to His Voice and the dreams, imaginations and visions He will show us through His Word and revelation.

BBehold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them. -- Isaiah 42:9