I think we have all come to a point in our life where something that you were really excited or hoping to happen didn’t end up happening. You put your faith and hope and time and energy into this thing that went into completely different direction. Whether it be a new job that you didn’t get and you thought you would, acceptance into the school you’ve always dreamed of going to, or just a relationship you wanted so badly to work; the pain and rejection from it not happening felt like you would be swept away from the pain at any moment. But you didn’t get swept away. You are still here, reading this. I am here to tell you that I am fully confident that It didn’t happen because God has a reason far beyond our understanding as to why it didn’t happen. He said “No” because his plan is far greater than what you could ever imagine.
We can choose to stay on the path that we want to despite how toxic, unpaved and destructive it is, or we can choose to take a step onto a path paved out by the very Creator who gave his life for you and loves you so much, he knows the very number of hairs on your head. Surrendering to him and trusting him to help you walk away from the old path, and to lead you onto a new path different than what you had planned can be scary, difficult and painful. However, when we become so intent on our own plan we envision for our life, we begin to miss the bigger picture, which is what God already has in store for us. The society that we live in today is only focused on the here and now. They focus on what we can get in this moment. We focus so much on the "now" and what brings us instant satisfaction that we forget God sees things in 3 dimensions - Past, Present, and Future.
God sees where you've been and knows your story front to back. He knows how to transform you from the person you used to be in to the person he specifically created you to be. He sees your "now," and what you think you want and what you need. He sees your future, and opens and closes doors accordingly. When a door does close, we automatically begin to think that we did something wrong or that we are being punished for a choice we made, but in reality it is saving us from perhaps settling for the only thing we see. I have seen God personally work in my life this way. Sometime ago, I found myself wanting something more than I ever wanted anything. It wasn't necessarily good for me, but in my selfishness, I didn't care. God continued to put up warning signs for me in very bold and vivid ways that I knew without a doubt was his way of saying, "STOP. DON'T GO ANY FURTHER!" He couldn't have said it any more specifically to me. He was constant in his pursuit of me, even when I ignored his callings and beckoning to turn to him and submit to his will. It wasn't until later on, that I realized I wouldn't have had to deal with heartbreak and hurt from things happening the way they did If i would have just trusted Him instead of my own personal desires. Sometimes, we may think God is saying, "No," but time shows us he was actually just saying, "Not Right Now." Better things are yet to come. There's always a bigger and better plan for us - one that fulfills every thought, every wish, and every prayer. So when God tells you, “Yes,” thank him. When God tells you, “No,” thank him. When God tells you, “Not Right Now,” thank him.
God never says "No" without a purpose and foresight for your future.
So, just like any relationship is built, it takes time. It is a daily decision I have to make everyday to trust God and his plan for my life even when I don't know what that plan may be.
Jeremiah 29-11: "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."
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, and are called according to his purpose."
