Working with a No
Thank God for technology! I missed service Sunday, because I traveled to Mississippi to celebrate my youngest cousin’s first birthday. Even though I was excited to see her, I was sad about missing service. It seems like each sermon has been tailored just for me. Jesus smiled down on me, and the media team put Sunday’s sermon on Facebook.
The sermon was entitled “Working with a No” and came from the first chapter of Luke. Zacharias, a priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, have wanted a child. Years have passed, and it has become apparent that Elizabeth is barren. In those days, it was a disgrace to not have children. People assumed that you were cursed or that God was displeased with you.
The Bible says that this couple is righteous before God. They not only talk the talk, but they walk the walk. They don’t just play church. They’re genuinely great people. And God has still told them “no.”
In the face of their “no,” they don’t become unrighteous and rebellious. They continued to serve. Hmmm…this is a personal lesson to me. When God initially told me “no” and not to get married, I didn’t listen to Him and follow His commands. I followed my own way. Eventually I listened to Him, but ya’ll know I didn’t go down without a fight.
Zacharias is performing his duties as a priest when an angel of the Lord, Gabriel, appears to him. Gabriel lets Zacharias know that God has heard his prayers. Elizabeth and Zacharias will have a son.
What’s the most appropriate way to respond to no’s from God? Remain faithful. When God tells me no and I desperately want to hear a “yes.” When everyone around me seems to only get a “yes.” That’s easier said than done.
My pastor reminded me that I must love God more than whatever I requested. Sometimes when we get the thing that was so important to us, we forget the gracious God that provided the thing. I have to realize that God is more important than any request I may have. I’m so grateful that God was patient with me and worked with me through my “no” phase. #wepreach
