2-13-22 Thankful for a No

Quote: “I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me.  It’s because of them I’m doing it myself.” – Albert Einstein

Have you ever been told “No.”?

Maybe it was financial or work related – the answer was “No” to a project idea, a job interview, a house offer, a bank loan, or a salary increase.  Maybe it was relational – the answer was “No” to an acceptance of an apology, a boundary was put on you, or the relationship was done.  Or maybe it was God who told you “No” – the answer was it isn’t the time, it’s not what’s best, or it’s not what you are called to do.

I have been told “No” so many times in my life.  Something deep inside me wants to buck the system.  To ask “Why not?”  To challenge people to think differently or look at my situation from another point of view.  I think that’s what Albert Einstein meant when he said the “No”s in his life forced him to do things on his own in his own way.  This fierce independence leads to a lot of discoveries, ideas, and breakthroughs.  Our nature is to want people to simply say “Yes” to our questions, to have them agree with us!

So what does the Bible say about a “No”?  When we feel in our hearts that God’s will is aligned with ours, we feel different.  We feel strength and peace.  Resources to accomplish the outcome become readily available.  People in our lives confirm our answer.  We stand taller and possess God-fidence!

But when our path is not aligned with his, we feel it, too.  We feel convicted.  Our conscience feels itchy.  It doesn’t feel right.  We don’t proceed because we know something is off.  We realize we may not be in sync with what he wants for this moment in time.  Isaiah 55:8 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.”  When the Lord’s will doesn’t match up, we may not like it but we have to obey when we know the answer is “No”.

But take heart!  Sometimes a “No” is simply a “Not yet!”  The stars haven’t aligned.  The resources you need aren’t available yet.  The people you need to help you aren’t quite ready.  A “No” can be just for a small moment in time.  Don’t give up!  Keep asking and praying.  Because when your thoughts and God’s thoughts line up, it is perfectly wonderful!  Nothing can get in the way of this kind of armed Christian.  They are in step with their Creator.  Watch out world!

For those of you strong-willed people out there (yes, that’s me!), remember that we don’t always have to go against the grain.  Often times we need to to accept a “No” and ask God when the time is right to ask again.  Keep knocking at the door of whatever it is you are seeking.  Yes go after your dreams and pursuit the things God has for you – just be sure the timing is right.  He will give you the green light.  And when he does, not only will your “No” turn to a “It’s time!” but your heart will feel different.  You’ll just know.

I’m sure Albert Einstein was told “No” a lot.  We probably wouldn’t even know him if he’d been told “Yes” to everything he wanted to change in the world! It made him focus on what was most important in his field.  To pursuit the things he felt the strongest about. So we too should be thankful for the “No”s life throws at us.  They may be just what we need to work harder, change our perspective, give it some more time, and lean more on God.