WHEN GOD REFUSES
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.“Rom. 8:26
One of the many mistakes we make is in thinking of Jesus as our servant whose duty is to deliver what we desire, rather than our Sovereign Master who is just in denying our desires. However, we can rest assured that if we are a child of God in the will of God, He will provide what we need although He withholds what we desire.
We want freedom from pain, financial prosperity, family peace, friends who please, and fun, fun, fun. We have high expectations and a low level of patience. But what we have on our wish list isn’t always what God wants and our request is refused. But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t care. Instead of granting what we want He gives us what we need. And sometimes that leaves us scratching our head wondering why and feeling we are deprived.
Blinded by our selfish desires we do not realize that God is doing us a favor. He does so because out of the depths of His wisdom and love He knows that giving us what we want would hurt us rather than help us. Given everything we want we would never become the person God wants us to be. So He withholds one thing that He might bestow another. Let us then, thank God for unanswered prayers and accept what He appoints or allows.–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346