October 19, 2011

When God Says No to Our Dreams


Only a few days after I made the announcement to some friends that I was looking for a part-time job I received an email that an Administrative Assistant position was going to be open in the Outreach department of my church.  I quickly emailed the Director of the department to let him know I was interested.

Over a month, and three interviews later, I was contacted and told that they had chosen someone else for the position.  My heart was broken.

I had prayed

I had fasted

Many friends had prayed

Others had spoken on my behalf

.....but God said no.

Tears were immediate after the phone call, the disappointment running deep.  My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that I couldn't put words to, even for my husband.  He knows the disappointment, and he's patiently waiting for the words to come from within.

Yesterday was a day of reflection, an inventory of my emotions.  

How do we react when God says no to our dreams?  

I've wanted to work for my church for a long time now.  It is an amazing place with God sized dreams.  The Holy Spirit is alive within and I want to be a part of that movement!  Do I allow myself to be mad at God?  Do I build up resentment for those I interviewed with?  Do I quit going to that church?  Do I hide whenever I encounter the staff that know I had interviewed for the position?

What would it say of my faith if I rebelled
against my God
because 

He. 

said. 

no.?

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

I don't know God's reasons, but I do know that I must trust Him with the answer, even when it is no.   Faith isn't grown only from the yes's and the blessings God bestows, but is also grown from the pain and disappointment in the denials.  

So today

I praise HIM

Because He is the I AM


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, 
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 
plans to give you hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11




7 comments:

  1. It's hard sometimes to understand that God sees the bigger picture, things we cannot see. He knows exactly where you are supposed to be.

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  2. This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today sweet friend. Thank you.

    ~traci
    xoxo

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  3. As we have been studying the 23 Psalm, one thing stands out....God always goes before us, knowing what lies ahead for each of us. Though He takes us through some valleys, He's leading us to the mountain top where we are nourished.
    When God closes one door He usually opens another. Wait with anticipation!

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  4. This is something I needed to hear this week. God has said no and I need to be praising Him for it. Thank you for those verses and for the reminder that God is in control. I just need to wait on Him.

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  5. I'm sorry for you friend but I'm thankful that God has given you some comfort through His Word. Looking forward to processing more with you next week. (since I'm dealing with my only loss of a dream I appreciate ur words!).

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  6. I too have been on the receiving end of "no" more times than I'd like to admit. And, at the end of the day, I have arrived at the same truth you have communicated here so well. God is in control and "I must trust him with the answer, even when it is no." Amen.

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  7. He has something better for you....praying for you as you wait to have Him reveal what that is.

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