NO Isn't Always a Bad Thing

In blogs past, we’ve discussed that sometimes it can be very difficult to “wait” on the Lord. Once again, I want to share another example how God, said ‘No’ to something that I thought was perfect for me. When in reality, He was encouraging me to ‘wait’ on His decision for my life. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint,” (Isaiah 40:31).

What happens when God gives you a concrete ‘No’ on something that you truly believe that you deserve or is best for you? Whether it’s a relationship, a job promotion, the approval of a house loan, a new car, acceptance to the college of your choice, or test results for a health assessment, to hear the word ‘No’ can be downright defeating.

Recently, Saad and I purchased our first home. It has been a goal for our family since day one of our marriage. It was important for us to give our boys a nice home to run around in as well as use our home to glorify the Lord in any capacity. While the end result is amazing and we are elated, the path to purchasing our home felt like giving birth all over again.

We started the home buying process in January 2011. Throughout the process, we placed contracts on 2 other houses (before we purchased the one we have now). For example, the first house we placed an offer on was a short sale. While short sales can be challenging to deal with, we were sure that this was the house that God had chosen for us. WELL, about a week into our contract, Saad went to visit the house. To his surprise, he found a construction zone what was supposed to be our back yard. When we placed a contract on the house a week earlier, the house had an unattached garage, carport, and area for a nice size yard. But all that was left, was a small patch of grass, 2 construction bobcats, and a permit that stated that a three level house was preparing to be built.

Saad came home and shared the news with me. He had also taken pictures which, I appreciated because I probably would have not believed him. We immediately called our Realtor, who called the seller’s agent. My Realtor was told sarcastically, “Oh I didn’t mention that the yard and carport area were not apart of your land, and that investors, are building a three-story house in your backyard?” She delivered the information backed to us, and apologized immensely. She urged me to have a look at the property for myself before we made the decision to pull out of the contract or go forward. We did so, and made the decision to forfeit the contract. Confused and hurt, we continued our house hunt, putting a contract on 2 houses, which both fell through. Restless, and almost defeated, I was starting to feel like this wasn’t our time. My hubby suggested that we go away for the weekend, spend some time away from the process, and reconnect with one another and God. We contacted our Realtor and told her that we would be unavailable from Friday to Monday morning. After returning on Monday, we began the house search again, this time pulling up to a house with great curb appeal. Trying to remain optimistic, we went in, and my heart immediately skipped a beat: a large bay window, natural light, beautiful clean hard wood floors throughout, new painted walls, a beautifully redone kitchen, and a large basement for the kids. It was beautiful and more that I had ever imagined for our first home. In our previous search of houses, we were looking for fixer-uppers. But this house had little to nothing to fix up. I was amazed. I went outside to the shaded backyard, alone, and said “God, if this is what you want us to have, please let it be. If not, pick me up and carry me to something even better.” And on June 2011, we went to closing on this beautiful house. I am in love with our house, because God picked it out just for us. As usual, He exceeded all of my wants and expectations.

I thank God for the many ‘No’s that He has given to our family. Now, when I hear ‘No’ I thank God instead of questioning Him. It just assures me, how much He has my back. Many times, we make up in our minds, what we are supposed to have. Following, we do whatever it takes to retrieve our heart’s desires. I mean, just think about the many relationships that were no good for you and God urged you to move on. Where would you be now without God telling you ‘No’ about he or she?”

God is our permanent shield. Without Him, wow, where would we be?

Good Night,

KPA

Once raised by a Virtuous single mother, I am now a SAVED and strong Virtuous, Fashionista, who accepts when God says ‘No”, who cherishes my best friend, who fear’s the Lord, who’s best friend is the Lord, that waits on discernment from God, who is living for today, who is a woman of strength, that understands the power of my words, that is aware of God’s presence, is allowing my light to shine, whose growing to be more passionate about serving the Lord, who can listen without pride to constructive criticism, whose fear does not hold me back, who runs to the Lord first about everything, who strives to stay on God’s course, who is saved by the grace of God, who admits to being envious of others at times, who knows my worth, has a calming peace, who gives thanks daily, who wants to be a godly example to others, who is able to forgive my enemies, who has high expectations of me, who has been created in God’s own image, who lovingly submits to my spouse, who understands God's love, has an intimate relationship with God, supports Breast Cancer Awareness, with a family who honors me, Virtuous friends who love me, and with a giving spirit.