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Why does god say no?. Why?. Tamara Casebier We prayed it was nothing serious. We prayed it was curable. Our prayers were not answered. We serve the same God as Hannah and Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego . James 5:14-18 . The question shows our immaturity.
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Why? • Tamara Casebier • We prayed it was nothing serious. • We prayed it was curable. • Our prayers were not answered. • We serve the same God as Hannah and Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego. • James 5:14-18
The question shows our immaturity. • God says “Yes” to us almost all the time! • Safe travels • Recovery from illness • Giving us our daily bread • Making it through trials • No wise father says, “yes,” every time.
The question is NOT inappropriate. • We’ve all thought it would make perfect sense for God to say, “yes,” and when He doesn’t, we wonder why. • God provides us an answer.
Why does god say no? • His knowing grace
His knowing grace • 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 • Paul was a righteous man. • He prayed fervently. • He was burdened and knew God could help. • God said, “no.” Did He not care? Did He not love him?
God knows how to distribute his grace in the very best way for us. v. 9, God’s grace already distributed had Paul in the position to be who he needed to be and do what he needed to do. • We tend to say, “make everything ok and then I’ll serve you.” • V7 – This is where I need to be physically to be humble and focused on Christ. • V9 – I am not ashamed of God’s answer against my desire, I trust His greater view. • V10 – I can use this limitation to show the world that as long as I have Christ, I have all!
Why does god say no? • His knowing how to distribute grace • His spiritual will
His spiritual will Matthew 26:36-39 • Who does God love more than His only begotten Son? • How much it must have hurt Him to allow His suffering! • Jesus prayed to be delivered from the suffering. • John 12:27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. • God’s answer showed spiritual is more important than physical.
His spiritual will Matthew 26 • V39 - “Not my will, but Thine be done.” He only wanted what aligned with God’s plan. • V42 – If it requires my grief, even torture and death to help souls… I am ready. • V46 – While not receiving, He left in confidence and resolve that God’s way would win out.
His spiritual will • God did send help. • Luke 22:43 - an angel from heaven “strengthened Him” • Sometimes God says YES and lightens our load, and sometimes not. • James 1:1-4
Why does god say no? • His knowing how to distribute grace • His spiritual will • His eternal view
His eternal view Hebrews 11:32-38 • V. 32-35, God provides and saves. • V. 36-38, What about these people? • Were they not praying for deliverance? • God said no. Why?
His eternal view • God places far greater value on the soul and eternity than on the physical and the here and now. • We tend to attach the greater significance to now. • We can’t see eternity. • God says, “the world was not worthy” of these people. (V. 38)
His eternal view • Did they question God as to why? • The living might, but the dead didn’t – They KNEW! • They went to Paradise.
conclusion • Luke 16:19-31, The Rich Man and Lazarus • It sure looked like the rich man received the yeses and Lazarus the nos. • But God knew the answers Lazarus needed to receive to accomplish His spiritual will for his life – so he could enjoy Heaven for Eternity. • Lazarus has had about 2000 years to marvel at God’s great wisdom.
Be saved today! • Believe – John 3:16 • Confess – Romans 10:10 • Repent – Luke 13:3 • Be Baptized – Acts 22:16 • Be Faithful – Hebrews 3:14