CQQ #38: Why God Says No...?

Is "no" always a wrong answer?

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[WARNING: Before jumping to any conclusions, please read this entire blog entry for proper context.]

This blog entry is a continuation of a series of entries on the topic of prayer. If you haven't already, be sure to also check out last week's entry, "Prayer as a Convenience...?", and the week before, "Prayer as a Cop-Out...?".

Having said all that was said in the past two weeks, do I believe in the power of prayer? Absolutely! Do I believe that God will say yes to every prayer of petition? Not necessarily.

But if we're always told to send our prayers and petitions to God, why would God choose to say no to some of our prayers?

Two words: His will.

As mentioned before in the last blog entry, God is not a vending machine or genie existing merely to grant our every desire. Prayer is not a matter of getting every single thing we asked for. Rather, it's a matter of seeking His will in all things. God always has good reason for any and every decision He makes, whether He accepts or declines, because He is all-knowing, without fault, and incapable of wrongdoing.

So what may be some possible reasons that He might "say no"?


1. It's not what God has in store for you.

Sometimes "No" just means, "It's not My will for you". God knows you even better than you know yourself—past, present, and future. He knows your intentions as well as the consequences of every choice, action, and event. His "no" might actually be protecting you from something much worse that you probably cannot foresee happening in the future. If He declines, it may be for the best.

"Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring." (Proverbs 27:1 ESV)


Or maybe...

2. He has something better in mind.

Sometimes "No" may actually be, "I have something even better". God knows what's best for each of our lives, and sometimes what we ask for might not be what's really the best course of action for us. Maybe that one job you had in mind wasn't meant for you. Maybe that one person you've had your eyes on wasn't meant to be your future spouse. Maybe there's something else awaiting for you in your life that will make an even greater impact according to God's plans.

"The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9 ESV)


Or maybe...

3. It's not the right time.

Sometimes "No" may actually be, "Wait". Whichever you may be asking for may not be coming right away. All things happen according to God's timing, not ours. He knows the future better than we do, and certain events may need to happen—events that we cannot foresee—in order for other opportunities to arrive or line up properly in His favor. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep praying about it, but rather that we must trust in faith that God's timing is perfect.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9 ESV)


Although this blog entry is most likely preaching to the choir, I also feel the need to mention this last point:

4. Do you have a relationship with Him?

The one and only way to God the Father is through Christ Jesus (see John 14:6). Should those who haven't personally accepted Christ as Lord and Savior expect their prayers to be answered? God might choose to answer in some way if He knows it'll lead to something greater (after all, He knows the hearts of every person, including those who are willing to humble themselves before Him), but it's impossible to please God without faith in Him.

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

The good news is that God invites every person into a loving familial relationship with Him; He paved the way for all of humanity through Christ who sacrificed Himself for our sins, the thing that separates humanity from God. Those who wholeheartedly accept Christ as Savior receive the Holy Spirit and have access to a relationship with God. A wholehearted prayer for salvation through Christ is a prayer with a guaranteed "Yes" for every person who chooses Him!



With these points considered, "no" isn't always a bad or wrong answer. Even though "no" is something many people often dread receiving, sometimes "no" can lead to something even better than we could ever imagine, something we might not even realize we'll find ourselves appreciating in the future.

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Curious Questions to Consider:

Do you believe in the power of prayer?

Has God ever "said no" to any of your prayers of petition? If so, why do you think He did?

What other reasons do you think God would "say no" to a prayer of petition?

Should a believer pray for the salvation of a non-believer? Does this conflict with the principle of freewill?

When a non-believer asks a believer to pray for them, will God answer such prayers?

If you haven't before, have you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, would you like to know how?

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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.

Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding prayer. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.


God bless and thanks for sharing!

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Author's Notes:

Cover image courtesy of cottonbro.

(Written on March 29, 2020.)

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