Following God can be frustrating. I found myself calling out to Him to say yes, but against reason, against desire, I heard “no” instead. But God, I thought, I can do great things for you through this experience. This is a good opportunity. I didn’t want to say no because I couldn’t imagine another one like it. But that’s kind of the point. I don’t know the intricate details that God sorts through in order to guide me through life. Not every good thing is the right thing, even when it slides up to us with a bow on top. Even then, following God can mean prying our hands away from what looks satisfying. It can mean saying no in obedience to God and trusting that He has a reason for His answer.
Earlier this year, I faced a similar dilemma. Just this past May, I debated planning a trip to Paris during my visit to France. Despite a gnawing feeling, I wanted to tell myself to just go for it, and yet I heard a distinct “no” when I prayed. But it’s Paris, I thought, a chance to visit a new part of the world. And I didn’t see anything inherently bad about it, so what was the big deal?
But I couldn’t shake that “no,” one of the most distinct answers I’ve ever received from God. So I listened, and God confirmed my decision when different factors made it clear that although going could’ve had a positive outcome, it wasn’t the right decision. While it might have looked like I was choosing the safe option, like I didn’t trust God enough to just put myself out there, I have this feeling that God wasn’t only looking out for my safety, but also for my experience. It’s not always a life-or-death decision when it comes to listening for God’s answer, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. He cares about the little details of our lives too.
I believe He cares about the details even more so after accepting that opportunity, the one I tried to convince Him to say yes to. Though beneficial, I’ve seen how it’s distracted me from the original work and lesson He gave me. Thankfully, my dad Herman Ivey reminded me of God’s grace. While I could drive myself crazy with guilt or regret, I choose to accept His grace, which I see as He still works through me and this opportunity.
Whatever good opportunities come our way, let’s make sure they’re good for the right reason. If it’s just so we can save ourselves worry, God tells us we never had a reason to worry in the first place (Matthew 6:34; Philippians 4:6-7). Whatever our standing in the world, we are always secure in Him. If we choose to be. That’s the hard part. It’s easy to jump into anything and learn later that maybe it wasn’t the best decision. It’s so much harder to make the right decision before and still learn from the situation. We can’t go chasing after every good thing and still have enough room for the blessing God handpicked for us. So trust in His plan and in His voice. He loves you with an abundant love, and He can “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
