When God Says “No”
“Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter.” Deuteronomy 3:26
This does not sound like a God-statement, does it? But it is. And really, how many times do we see exclamation points used in scripture?
It has been years since Moses was called from the back side of the desert to lead the children of Israel out of bondage. In Deuteronomy 3, they are on the precipice of the promised land. Moses asks God one more time, “Let me…cross over and see that fair land that is beyond the Jordan…” He gets a flat out NO from the God he has faithfully served.
Not only was Moses given a God-sized NO… he was also charged with encouraging and equipping his replacement who would see the promised land, Joshua. Ouch!
To enourage someone who is getting to do the very thing your own heart desires requires incredible generosity of spirit. In this poignant moment, I wonder if Moses’ desire to cross the Jordan into the promised land was replaced by a contentment and peace that only God can give. I don’t know if there would be any other way Moses could genuinely encourage and equip Joshua without a change in his heart’s desire.
Did Moses come to the realization that God is enough? Even though he would never step foot in the promised land – was God enough? Even though he was aked to encourage and equip the man who would cross over Jordan – was God enough? Even though he was not going to be the leader any longer – was God enough?
When you feel the “no’ from God in your spirit, how will you respond? Will God be enough for you?
“Shelly, how do I know when to quit praying for something?” I have been asked this question more than once. In my personal life, if God has not removed the passion and replaced it with contentment – I keep pressing on with prayer.
Look at Paul…he got a no from God after asking for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed three times. Paul said, “I am content…” in 2 Cor. 12:10.
Does God have the ability to grant us a yes to each request? Of course.
However, God’s sovereignty always trumps His ability. <Tweet This
Can He?…Yes. Will He?…That is God’s sovereign decision.
If we get a NO, believe me, there is a greater YES down the road.
“The LORD is my portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.” Psalm 16:5-6