No, thank you
Scripture for today: John 11:1-44
As a parent, sometimes I have to tell my children “no.” To put it in perspective, my five-year-old son asks for candy every minute of the day, he wants a four-wheeler and a shotgun for Christmas, and he would like a baby brother.
Sometimes it is in our best interest when someone tells us “no.”
Take Martha, for instance. She begged Jesus to hurry to her house and heal her brother, Lazarus. If Jesus could get there in time, Jesus could heal him. But Jesus said “no.” Instead of going, He stayed where He was a few more days.
Lazarus died, but as we continue reading John 11, we see Jesus ultimately raise Lazarus from the dead. What a miracle!
Can you imagine if Jesus had given Martha what she wanted? Sure, Lazarus would not have died, but she would have missed out on the glory of his resurrection.
When God does not give us what we ask for, He always has something better in mind. We can tell Him “thank you” even when He tells us “no.”
Today’s Prayer
Father, thank You for telling me “no” when I do not pray according to Your will. Help me to trust that Your ways are best.
Matt Peek serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Pelham and a member of the Georgia Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
