No is an Answer

"He granted their request because they trusted in Him"  -- 1 Chronicles 5:20 / HCSB

God does answer our prayers.  He does not always answer our prayers as soon as we might like, and He does not always answer our prayers by saying "Yes." God is not an order - taker, and He is not some sort of cosmic vending machine.  Sometimes, even when we want something very badly, our loving Heavenly Father responds to our requests by saying, "No," and we must accept His answer, even if we do not understand it.

God answers prayers not only according to our wishes but also according to His master plan. We cannot know that plan, but we can know the Planner . . and we must trust His wisdom, His righteousness, and His love. Always.

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"Let's never forget that some of God's greatest mercies are His refusals. He says no in order that He may, in some way we cannot imagine, say yes. All His ways with us are merciful.  his meaning is always love"  -- Elisabeth Elliott

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Lord, Your Holy Word commands us to pray without ceasing.  Let us take everything to You.  When we are discouraged, let us pray.  And when we are joyful, let us offer up prayers of thanksgiving.  In all things great and small, at all times, whether happy or sad, let us seek Your wisdom and Your grace . . . in prayer.