Being told “no” is not easy.

Times in the Bible when God answered petitions with “yes”:

Exodus 32; Numbers 14 – Moses interceded for the Israelites

II Kings 20 – Hezekiah’s request to live longer

Sometimes God’s answer is “no.”

II Samuel 12:13-22 – David and Bathsheba’s baby

II Corinthians 12:7-10 – Paul’s thorn in the flesh

Considerations for prayer

We must be in a right relationship with God. I Peter 3:7

We must not ask for something that contradicts His will. James 4:3

Our perspective is limited by our minds. Isaiah 55:8-9

God told Paul “no.”

I Corinthians 2:3

Galatians 4:13-15; 6:11

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

When life doesn’t go our way, we may question our faith.

God may say “no” because we need reminding of what He has done for us. Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9

The effects of God’s grace must be seen in our lives. II Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14

Sufficient à to be enough

Application: Even in being told “no,” there is good.

“My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Is this the way the world works?

God works through man’s weakness to show His power.

Exodus 7-14: Moses vs. Pharaoh

Joshua 6: The walls of Jericho

Judges 7: Gideon and the 300 men (Judges 7:2-7, 9)

I Corinthians 1: The gospel message

Made perfect à to perform, execute, complete, fulfill. Psalms 28:8; Isaiah 40:29-31

Application: In weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, and calamity, show God’s power in your life.

Genesis 21:1-5

Mark 10:46-62

Acts 16:16ff

II Corinthians 11:23-29

Matthew 26:26-29 – Jesus’ death

“I am content with …”

Content à it seems good to me, is one’s full pleasure

NOT “I’ll only be happy/content if …”

Philippians 4:11-13

Isaiah 53:7 – At what point did Jesus ever express discontent?

Paul boasted of his weakness.

There is value in sharing our challenges with others. James 5:16

Revelation 3:15-17 – A false impression of strength is damaging.

Application: How might your challenges, or those facing society, allow you to show true contentedness?

When God’s answer is “no”

Remember His grace.

Let His power shine in your weakness.

Be content with your lot in life.