MORNING MANNA         2/15/19

“But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”- 2 Samuel 12:23)   Have you ever prayed fervently for God to work a miracle in someone’s life, certain that He would answer and glorify Himself by healing them, only to have your prayer go seemingly unanswered?  Maybe you rallied prayer support from every prayer warrior that you knew and fasted repeatedly in an effort to receive favor from God in your situation.  You knew in your heart that God could do exceedingly and abundantly more than you were asking.  And yet the answer was “NO.”  How did you react?  
 
 Were you angry with God, disappointed, or even grieved beyond words?  It’s relatively easy for us to quote Romans 8:28 and say, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” to a friend or loved one in pain.  But what will you way when God says, “NO”?
 
 King David loved God and knew how to approach Him.  The psalms are filled with heartfelt dialog on behalf of himself and others.  And in this instance, the life of his own child was at stake.  David prayed with all that he could muster, to the point that his friends and advisors were visibly worried about the outcome.  And yet God said, “NO.”  Those around him feared his reaction, to the point that they were afraid to reveal the truth to him.  And yet David’s acceptance of God’s sovereign will was indicative of his love for Him and faith in His character.
 
 How about you?  If it hasn’t yet occurred, there will more likely come a time in your life when God says “NO.”  How will you react?  Will you, like David, wash your face, comb your hair, and move on with life?  Or will you stomp your feet and complain about the unfairness of life?  What you do will tell you something about your own heart and how much you really trust the character and sovereignty of your Father in heaven. – Chaplain Jim Freed
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346