If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time, you know that I normally post on the first of each month, but this month I am posting a day late because, honestly, writing has become a chore for me. Not just writing; a lot of things in daily life have become tiresome or frustrating for me, as with cardio.
For the past year, I have wrestled with God a good bit, especially with what He wants me to write about in my posts and columns. I still have a passion for writing, but I like the focus and motivation to do it.
My frustration with life and God extends far beyond creativity or the craft of writing. There are many things in life that I am seeking God’s direction and guidance about, and I am a fervent believer in seeking God’s will over mine (Psalm 14:2, Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:1-2).
I have had an extremely hard time hearing God at times and have had to pull away from the world, and others at times, to try to focus on His voice, which is my main quest. I am old enough to know that many voices in life try to influence us:
Sometimes, although they mean well or want to see us happy, any of them can only echo our selfish desires, regardless of whether it is best for us. While this may seem positive temporarily, it can be harmful in the long run.
Satan himself used false promises of greatness and hope to deceive the first Adam in the garden (Genesis 3:1-6). Immediate satisfaction is a worldly goal, and it shouldn’t be the focus of God’s people.
The second Adam rejected the devil’s offer to be lifted high and stuck to God’s word, although He knew in the end He would suffer (Matthew 4:-11). Jesus knew His Father knows when to say yes and when to say no.
Yes is a positive response most of us desire for what we want or think we need for a good day. This affirmation makes us happy or feels good for a little while at least. But like most things in this temporary life, feelings fade quickly.
Yes is defined as “Approval, affirmation, or consent.” Obviously, there are times that we shouldn’t receive affirmation or approval. It takes maturity and discernment to know when it is appropriate.
While God doesn’t want to see us hurt or fall short of His plan, He knows when not to say yes to our requests (Deuteronomy 3:23-27, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Growing up as an Army brat, I understand tough love and why God chooses to show it to save my life.
A father wants what is best for his children, even when it hurts them temporarily (Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:5-11). God uses tough love instead of a feel-good, comfortable love like this fallen world does.
Too many people come to Jesus thinking they are guaranteed an easy and comfortable life as a genie does. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Because we belong to God and He is our heavenly Father, He would discipline us like children (Deuteronomy 8:5, Hebrews 12:5-11). Those people refuse to let go of this world and their wants.
God’s plan and hope for us is for us to grow as His children and His people, not to leave us where we are (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 1:6, James 1:2-4). He will use whatever means to conform us to His image, not the world’s (Romans 8: 28-29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Whatever is in our lives, our hearts that don’t bear fruit for His Kingdom will be pruned, and sometimes that will hurt us (John 15:2, Hebrews 12:11). Fluff and stuff Christianity does not teach or understand this because they do not understand how God works. That’s why I praise you in the storm.
If we look at the life of Jesus and His disciples, we see that God allowed them to suffer and battle hardships. Part of being a disciple means accepting our Rabbi’s discipline. We must learn to die to ourselves daily, not satisfy ourselves (Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20).
As we grow closer to God, we will understand that God is weaning us from the temporary things of this world, not guaranteeing to give us them! A truly good father doesn’t spoil his children; he disciplines them (Proverbs 13:4, Hebrews 12:7-11). And sometimes His discipline is painful.
Sometimes God’s discipline is passive as a small voice or gentle breeze; other times it may be a painful experience or loss to help us refocus on God’s will. He wants to see how we handle our hardships. That is why we must let go and let God.
No, God doesn’t abandon us in our pain, but comforts us when we hurt, even when we hurt ourselves. This is a chance for our heavenly father to test our faith and see who we really listen to and follow (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:2-4).
Our flesh and hearts want that “yes’ to affirm that God loves us, but that isn’t how God’s love works. Sometimes God knows we aren’t ready for what we want, and he wants us to wait (Psalm 27:14, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Habakkuk 2:3).
I understand God has me in a season of waiting as I write this. I am waiting on God for so many things because I don’t want to rush and mess things up. God’s best includes the best timing for it.
It is like spring flowers that bloom too soon and quickly wither and die (James 1:9-11). And yes, there are times God tells us no out of His love for us. I’m a firm believer that God’s “noes” aren’t negative but a redirection to His best.
God wants the best for His children, and that means telling us no, even when we want something desperately. We may not see or understand it at the time, but we will eventually. This is why believers need to understand that yes, God says no!
