“God never witholds from His child that which His love and wisdom call good. God’s refusals are always merciful — “severe mercies” at times but mercies all the same. God never denies us our hearts desire except to give us something better.”
— Elisabeth Elliot
when God says no.
I was probably eleven or twelve. I was the queen of babysitting. I had built up quite a cliental within biking distance, and often had to turn down jobs because I was already booked. I loved it, and often only remembered I got paid for it when they handed me a wad of cash at the end of the night.
One friday night a family from across town called and asked if I could babysit, and stay the night with them. I asked my mom, and she said no. Honestly this wasn’t the norm for my mom. I am the youngest of four and have always been on the responsible side of things so it wasn’t often that I wasn’t permitted to do something I desired.
Hmm… that’s weird I thought. I had nothing to do and an opportunity came up and she said no. So, I threw chairs, screamed and threw a fit. (well, maybe I didn’t do that, but it makes the story more interesting…)
I honestly don’t remember much else about this memory until the next morning. I was fast asleep in my comfy bed, in my little shabby chic room and suddenly I was awoken by the giggles of junior high girls. I opened my eyes to see all my best friends excitingly telling me that I could only brush my teeth and we were going to breakfast in our pj’s.
My mom had said no, because she knew that something better was coming my way the next morning. She knew that I would enjoy a fun surprise breakfast with all my best friends even more than I loved babysitting. She knew what I needed. She knew what was good for me.
I often reflect on this story as a parallel for closed doors in my life. God wants to give us everything we’ve ever wanted! He wants to fulfill the desires of our hearts. And sometimes that actually means a no. That no is not the end, but a beginning.
It means, no baby, not that now, but there is something so much better I have for you.
I don’t know where you are at today. I don’t know if the options seem limited. I don’t know if doors seem to be slamming, but may I remind you that…
He withholds no good thing from those whose walk is blameless. -Psalm 84:10
He is ridiculously good.
He is better than we can think or imagine.
He absolutely has good things for you.
He has plans to prosper you, to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
So turn that discouragement into anticipation. Amazing things are coming your way.
Only the best for you beloved one.
permission to sleep.
“For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” -Psalm 127:2
If that isn’t grace, what is?
Even while we are asleep our heavenly Father is filling us and pouring into us.
If that isn’t a loud and clear message to let go and know He is God and He is good, what is?
As I meditated on this scripture I thought of new parents. When they bring home that sleepy little newborn, there are no expectations or requirements for them to give all they have to that precious little one. Parents could stare for hours at this amazing creation.
And what is the child doing?
Just sleeping.
Another benefit to sleep it releases us to dream. We need proper rest in order to dream. Sleep slips us beyond the limitations we think we have.
“Cease from striving and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10
So go ahead, take a nap.
He’s got something for you.
mrs anna maher 