For Denied Prayers

For Denied Prayers

IN THEOLOGY OF PRAYER, author Benjamin Morgan Palmer tells a compelling story of a woman who desperately wanted to see her children. After spending the summer away, she tried to purchase a ticket to sail home. But to her grave disappointment, the ship was fully booked. A few days later, the woman was told shocking news: The ship never reached its destination. Instead, it had sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

When we pray, God always weighs our requests against the bigger picture. That explains his no to David (1 Chronicles 17:4), his no to Paul (2 Corinthians 12:8-9), and his no to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42).

The Lord said, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

Although a negative answer may be tough to appreciate, we must celebrate God’s no as much as we celebrate his yes. His answers protect us and reflect the bigger picture.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

Everything I plan will come to pass.

TODAY I DECLARE

God’s no is a blessing.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

I surrender to your answer, for there must be a reason for this decision.

Though I can’t see it now or fully understand your ways, I place my trust in your love for me and your plans for the bigger picture.

Please increase my discernment and show me the good in this no. Help me to understand your thoughts and intentions.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“His answers protect us.”