Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

[expand title=”Devotion Text”] 

How do you respond to God when the answer to your prayer is, “No.” Some become bitter. They conclude God cannot be trusted. Some become obstinate. They decide God should not be served. Some become cynical. They assume God must not love them. Check out David’s response in today’s passage right after God told him that he was not the man to build the temple.

 2 Samuel 7:28-29

And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.

David recognized God’s work in the past. God’s gracious hand had established the strength of Israel. David acknowledged God’s promises. Then David summed up his prayer with this declaration: “Sovereign LORD, you are God!” (7:28a NIV)

So…God didn’t answer your prayer. Yes, I know it is very disappointing. Yes, I know the request was truly the desire of your heart. But can I encourage you? Can I encourage you to get on your knees before God? Thank him for his past answers. Thank him for all his future promises. And then from the depth of your being make this declaration: Sovereign Lord, you are God and I am not! Don’t ask God to change his answer; ask him to change your heart.

Talking Points

• Even in your disappointment, thank God for all he has done for you. Thank him for his future promises. And, yes, share with him your present disappointment.
• Declare to God your desire to submit to his decision. Ask him to help you surrender. Declare—my God, I love you. I know you love me and will always make the best decisions for me. You are God and I am not.

Father, I admit that I am disappointed when your answer is “No.” But today I declare that you are God…and I am not. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

[/expand]

 

 

---

 

This Week on The Journey Broadcast:

 

Hebrews