No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepeared
for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
Last week I had the opportunity to share a conversation with someone about God. I was driving him somewhere and found out he was visiting from another country. I got to spend a few minutes with him chatting and the conversation turned to God and prayer (I love it when that happens). I want to share part of it.
Me; Yes, I have been praying about that (what we were talking about)
Him: When we ask God for something he either says "Yes, Wait, or I have something better for you."
Me: Hmmmm, I always say that God says "Yes, Wait or No."
Him: Isn't it the same thing? God says "No" because he has something better in mind for us.
He got out of the care and i sat there taking it in. I've always been OK with God's no because I trust him but this added a complexity that I hadn't processed fully. God loves us. He wants what's best for us. He doesn't just arbitrarily say 'No' in a dictator sort of fashion. He says 'No' because he knows there is a better plan, a better path, and a better way. Oh that we would see the closed doors as they are intended - acts of love, not acts of denial.
Father God, Thank you for sending this man from a far-away place to reveal more of you to me. Amen.