No, Thank You!

“No” is not response we always like. It can be quite discouraging when you want to do something good, something that seems just right and you encounter a few or many nos. You come up with a brilliant idea to help your company or church or family and someone or everyone says nope! Maybe it just was not the right time for the idea or the move or the others just did not buy into your vision. It can be quite demoralizing!

In 2 Samuel 7, King David came up with an idea to build God a temple. He felt that the time was just right. God had finally established him on the throne, he was living in a well constructed palace, his nation was enjoying tremendous peace because God had given him rest from his enemies on all sides.

He believed there was no better time than this to build God a temple to house the ark of the covenant, which contained the presence of God, and which was until now housed in a tent. David believed it was not proper for him to live in such luxurious surroundings and for God’s ark to be in a temporary structure.

So he told the prophet Nathan of his intentions and Nathan gave the king his blessing! “… “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Samuel 7:3. That night God appeared to Nathan and instructed him to go back to the king and tell him that He God said no to David building the temple. Uh-oh.

I can imagine all the excitement draining out of David’s eyes, his shoulders slumping in disappointment; he must have felt so deflated. However, he did not shrug in indifference or in annoyance; he did not slam doors angrily, or throw the plans he had drawn up into the fire in anger; he did not kick down chairs, or lock himself up in a room-though any of these reactions would have been understandable.

David had such a relationship with God that though he did not get his way, He understood that God had a good reason for not allowing him to implement such a brilliant plan. So he worshiped God instead and thanked Him for all He had done for him and had promised to do for him and his household.

Some nos are a blessing. Some nos can end up opening better doors for us. Some nos can push us to work harder, do better and come up with even more amazing plans. As long as we have committed our ways to God and He is directing our steps, let us trust Him that even the nos we encounter will work out for our good. Thank God today for some of the nos you have received even if you are at a loss as to why and ask Him to show you where to go or what to do next!

Blessings.

Love, Lady Monica❤