Tonight, as I began my nightly devotion, I went through my usual routine of journaling… starting with praise. I thanked Him for all the things He’s blessed me with, for bringing me through another day, and for answered prayers. Tonight, however, I felt an urge to thank Him for something I’ve never really given much thought to… I began to thank Him for unanswered prayers.
“Tonight, I’m thankful for unanswered prayers,” I wrote. “We always tend to thank Him for our answered prayers — which is good. But I feel at times we forget that a ‘no’ from God can be more beneficial to us than His yes.” I paused, and began my nightly routine. As I was brushing through my hair, I let that thought sink in…
“A ‘no’ from God can be more beneficial to us than His yes.”
I began to reflect on all the times I’ve begged God to answer certain prayers. To keep certain relationships from dying, to deliver me from struggles of anxiety and the like… Looking back, I can see that not only were some of my prayers selfish, but I am beyond grateful and thankful He said no.
Had God answered those prayers, I would not be where I am today. I would not be in Raleigh, serving under the most anointed leadership and being mentored by some of the greatest prayer warriors in my life. I would not have met my forever friends. I would not have been able to reach out, love, and serve the most beautiful and sweetest people in Taboro, North Carolina.
Had God answered those prayers, I would not be who I am today. I would not have gone through the process, the molding, the stretching, the breaking that has made me into the person I am today. Without going through certain storms in my life, I would not have learned certain valuable lessons and truths that have made me stronger. I would not have the testimony that I have and share with others today.
“When we follow His leading and stay true to His call on our lives,” I continued, “we’ll soon realize that for every ‘no’ there is a far greater YES in His plan for our lives.”
I share this with you tonight to encourage you. Don’t be discouraged when God tells you no… He’s just leading you to His greatest blessings and plan for your life. One of the Brothers at our church said it this way, “When God tells you no, He’s just leading you to a ‘new opportunity.'”
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