Reflections by Annette Roux, Retired Pastoral Associate
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." - Psalm 84:11
Hearing "no" at times feels unfair and unjust. These are the moments where no matter how hard we have worked, prayed, knocked and believed, the answer was still "no." Perhaps in the months or years afterward, we realized that if we had been offered that position or assignment, we would have been in an environment that was not in alignment with our beliefs or who God created us to be. We would not have had our church family, or those who would affirm us in our call in this world. Taking the job being given what we thought we wanted would not have been the good thing that God had in mind for us, though it seemed "so right" at the time. Distance has a way of broadening our perspective. Maybe the "no" you are hearing right now is rooted in doubt, flawed theology or a limited view of God. But consider for a moment that the "no" is God reminding you that since no good thing can be withheld from you; the "no's" are simply clearing a path for your "yes."
Prayer: Lord, you desire that we prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers. Teach us to embrace the "no" as we march toward the "yes." Amen
