When God Says No

Whether we are praying for good health, healing, an improvement in our relationships or for a new job, it can be so hard to feel like God is saying “No” to the good things we want. This week Danielle shares her thoughts on what we can do when we struggle in this way.

Snippet from the Show
Trust in God's goodness and rest in him.

Danielle's Six Tips for When God Is Saying "No"

1. Give yourself permission to grieve.

It’s not wrong to want good things for yourself and those you love. If you have been praying a long time for some specific outcome that does not come to pass, don’t deny feeling frustrated, sad, rejected, or betrayed. Bring those negative emotions to God and allow yourself to grieve the loss of the thing you have been asking for.

2. Work on your understanding of suffering.

So often, we struggle with hard things because we do notunderstand the value of suffering. Of course, we would never choose suffering or loss, but God does allow it for our own good and for the good of others sometimes. Explore ways that you can offer up your suffering and grow closer to God in the process.

3. Examine your motives.

Maybe the things you have been praying for are very good things, but think about why you really want them? Are they for your own vanity or glory in some way? Pray to be open to the ways God might be calling you to pursue other things for His greater glory instead.

4. Ask yourself what God is saying Yes to?

In what ways might you be able to interpret God’s “No” toone thing as a “Yes” to something else? How is God guiding you and communicating his will to you through the doors he allows to close? What doors is he opening for you instead?

5. Don’t believe the lies.

Especially when we are struggling, Satan tempts us to believe the lies that God does not love us, that he has abandoned us, or that he does not want good things for us. These are lies that always lead to sorrow and sin. Don’t fall for it!

6. Rest in God’s goodness.

Spend some time reading Scripture and then praying and reflecting on the goodness of God. Allow him to love you and give you comfort and peace, right there in the midst of the struggle you are experiencing right now.

Listener Question (33:28)

Danielle responds to a question from JW who is longing for greater intimacy in her marriage.

Danielle's new book, Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday, is available to order!

Bishop Robert Barron's Podcast

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