When God Says "No."

 Remember when you were a kid, how you would go to your mom or dad and ask for something? Whether it be a cookie, or a toy, or permission to stay at a friend's house. "Mom, Dad, can I...?" Then you would hold your breath in anticipation for the answer. If it was yes, then we'd dance, cheer, throw our arms around them for giving us our heart's desire.
 But if the answer was "No," our reaction was completely different. Remember? I remember whining, cajoling, bribing, crying, stamping my foot to get them to see things my way. As I got older, my methods changed. I would promise something in return, such as altered behavior, a clean room, extra chores, etc. Or I would logically point out all the reasons they should agree to my request. Sometimes it would work and they would change their minds. And then the celebration would begin.
 And then sometimes, they would still say no.
 Oh, how that would irk me! Especially when they couldn't give what I thought was a decent reason why. "Because I know better," or "Because I said so," just did not fly with me.
 So, fast forward a few years, and I no longer have to ask my parents for the things I want. However, I find myself now relying on my Heavenly Father for things that are outside my power to control.
 For example, there's this house that I have my eye on. In my mind, it's perfect. Not far from my parents' home. Nice and roomy for when family and friends come to visit. A barn for my horse. A fenced in yard for my dog. Everything I need and desire in a home. So, I pray about it and put in my request. "Lord, will you please make a way for me to get this house?"
 To my surprise, God says no.
"But, God, this is the best time! I'm financially secure enough to afford the payments. It's so close to my family. I need this house!"
And He still says, "No."
"But, why???" I whine. "What possible reason could there be?"
 And then that infuriating response. "Because I say so. And because I know what is best."
 Excuse me while I "AAUURGH!!!!" (Oh, it's ok. God can totally take my tantrums.)
 Ever been there? Whether it's a house, a job, a spouse, a child, a healing, or whatever your heart is fixed on at this point in time. Sometimes, God just says, "No. Not right now." And there's no words to fully express our frustration. But He understands. And He knows we're human and weak. But all He asks is that we continue to trust Him, and to put our future and heart's desires in His hands.
 Even the Apostle Paul struggled with this. In 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9, it says "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
 So, it's okay to not always understand it or even like it. We didn't always as kids, did we? But as we got older, we began to see why. And someday, we may understand why God said no. In the meantime, may we ever remember that His grace will be sufficient, and we are always...
                                                                                            In His Grip!
                                                                                            Crystal

P.S. I hope you will be blessed by this song by the Akins. I know I was!