How can I respond when God says no to my prayer?
"Before something even happens, I announce how it will end. In fact, from times long ago I announced what was still to come. I say, 'My plan will succeed. I will do anything I want to do'" (Isaiah 46:10).
"When you do ask for something, you don’t receive it. That’s because you ask for the wrong reason. You want to spend your money on your sinful pleasures" (James 4:3).
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose" (Romans 8:28).
When God says “no” to your prayer, you can trust that God knows best.God hears all of our prayers, but He doesn’t answer all of them. When God says “no” to a prayer, it is because that prayer is not in His will for your life. Oftentimes when God says “no,” He is protecting us. God always knows what is best. You can trust Him.
It can be disappointing when God doesn’t answer your prayer. God often said “no” to many of Paul’s prayers in the Bible. Paul struggled a pain in his body (2 Corinthians 12:7). He prayed three times for God to take it away, but God said “no.” Even though God said “no,” Paul still trusted God and understood that God knows best. We can do the same.
God is not a magical genie who will answer all of our wishes. God answers prayers according to His Will. God is not picking on you when He tells you “no.” God doesn’t love you less when He says “no.” God only wants the best for us and often this means saying “no.” When God says “no,” be like the Apostle Paul. Trust God.
