How do we, as adults, respond to God when He answers "No" to our plans?

How do we, as adults, respond to God when He answers “No” to our plans?

Eileen Renders

Most of us, at one time or another in our lives, are a bit indecisive about a plan or idea we have been contemplating, perhaps a subtle change in our household. When every plan to move forward, however, goes awry, what are we to think? Many of us believe that we need to continue to pursue our plans with a deeper sense of determination. We may even pray to God to help us make our decisions that are aligned with His plan for us.

When, however, we still find that we are unable to solidify our plans, what are we to rationalize from all of this? We may begin to examine whether it is God telling us “No”, this is not right for you at this time. If this is what we can take from all of this, how do we react? Do we become frustrated, and again, say to God, “But this is what I want so much!”

This is when we might stop to examine our conscience and what is truly within our hearts. Is it God we want to serve, or ourselves? Are we living and believing what we say, or what we want others to believe about us?

In a situation such as this, God may quickly determine that we are not sincere in saying we want to serve Him, to grow in our relationship with Him, or to help others. He may move away from us, allowing us to decide what it is we truly desire in our lives.

If we cannot sacrifice our wants and desires to serve God, we are not sincere in our desire to please Him. Unfortunately, we risk losing all the gifts God was ready to send our way, such as contentment, joy, peace, wisdom, and that wonderful sense of Him being within us as we are in Him.

For it is true, when God leads us to an open door where we will live and serve, many other doors are closed to us for reasons; not to distract us, to affirm that He is leading us, to measure our sincerity to follow Him, and to sacrifice for Him our worldly pleasures.

Keep praying, pray for trust, and recognize His love for us is special when He calls us to service. Do not be discouraged, as with most of us, it takes time to be ready in body, mind, and spirit. Be assured, you will arrive at a time and place when you are ready to submit your life to Christ, and all you want in return is the feeling that comes from knowing you have been accepted, and God is leading you.