When God Tells You "No", Praise Him


When God tells you "no", praise Him. 


I know that's probably the last thing you wanted to hear. But, that's the best thing that I can tell you. When we really want something that is outside of God's will for us, it truly is best to obey the Lord. Do not, let me go ahead and repeat that, do not, under any circumstances, go outside of the will of God. 


If you know the Lord has told you "no", accept His "no" as the final answer. There is no need to waste time petitioning the Lord, and going after Him with different angles. You know how kids approach their parents with the same question phrased differently? Kingdom kids do that too. Although earthly parents may compromise and change their minds because their kids are so cute and cleaver, God is not wishy-washy. If He said "no", He means it. 


So, how do you move forward after accepting the "no" from the Lord? 


I admit that sometimes I get stuck here. I hear "no", I accept "no" and then I ask, "now what?" 


The answer is to praise God. If you're praising, depression, sadness, joylessness and doubt can't wear your down. They can't even catch up to you!  


Praise in the midst of a disappointing "no" is easy when you believe in your heart that God knows what's best for you. You can praise God in the midst of His "no" when you accept that His plan for your life is much better and thorough than your own plan for your life. "No" is easier to swallow when you have faith and trust in God. 


You may not understand why God said "no." Sometimes, it really is not for us to understand, just to obey. So, don't get hung up on that. Accept that God's ways are not our own ways. If we could figure out what was best for us, then why would we need a Savior? We don't always know - but God does. 


So, the next time God tells you know, don't get mad, upset, depressed or dejected. Don't worry or obsess. Just praise God! Say to yourself: "While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being!" (Psalm 146:2)
Copyright Beams of Light Ministries

When the Answer is "No!"

"No!"



I don’t like the word "no."

It’s so definite.

So final.

But sometimes in life, we hear “no” whether we like it or not.


“No!, don’t touch that, it’s hot.”
“No!, come back this way.”
“No!, you’re not the apple of their eye.”
“No!, it’s not for you this time.”

"No" takes its variety of shapes and forms. But the sting of “no” remains the same.


When my godson was visiting, I had to tell him “no.” He wanted to touch the Aqua-globe that waters my plant. I, being the purchaser of said item, knew it was glass. I knew it was not a toy for him to play with. So, being responsible, I told him “no.”


He didn’t like my telling him “no.” He poked out his lip and scrunched up his face. He made a fake noise that resembled a cry (and watched for my reaction) but when I told him to come to me, he did. I picked him up, loved on him and told him that it may hurt him. I gave him a final hug and one of his own toys. Lighting McQueen to be exact. He left my lap happy. He never touched the Aqua-globe again.


Sometimes God does the same thing with us.


Sometimes, the things we want are not right for us. Sometimes, the very things that we desire are the very things that will utterly upset our world as we know it. So God tells us “no.” He, being the Creator of all things, knows what’s best for us. So, being sovereign, He tells us “no.” And then He invites us into His lap for comforting and encouragement before sending us back out with to focus our attention on things He approves.

When we listen to His “no”, we stay out of trouble. But if we venture out beyond His “no” then we invite trouble.


I hope that you will journey with me this week as I explore this two letter word. Look for more blog posts this week on the subject of "no!"



Copyright Beams of Light Ministries

A Letter from Rehema






I got a letter from Rehema, the child I sponsor through Compassion International. I love getting letters from her. She always wishes me well and tells me what she's up to. The cool thing about this letter is that I got a picture of her. It was so nice to see her. There is such a change from the first picture I got from her until now. 


It encourages me to know how well she is doing. I thank God for keeping this sweet child. I pray that He will continue to bless her life abundantly. 


If you are interested in sponsoring a child, I pray that you will consider a sponsorship through Compassion International. More information about Compassion can be found here. Let's do our part to release a child from poverty in Jesus' name. 


UPDATE: FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPONSORING A CHILD, YOU CAN CLICK HERE.

Copyright Beams of Light Ministries