When God Says No

Linda Shenton Matchett

Have you ever wanted something so bad you were willing to do almost anything to get it? Was one of your ideas to bargain with God? Admittedly, it hasn’t been that long since I attempted to go that route. (Unsuccessfully, I might add!) We’re not alone in that regard. There were many biblical figures who also thought they could negotiate with our Heavenly Father.

But despite our efforts to haggle with Him, sometimes God says, “No.”

Maybe He wants to teach us a concept. Perhaps it’s an opportunity for Him to be glorified. It may be that someone needs to learn a life lesson and we’re the example. Ultimately, we may never know the reason He chooses to turn down our request.

It’s discouraging, isn’t it? Even Paul struggled with his “thorn” and repeatedly asked God to remove it. God’s decision to turn down our requests, even ones that appear to align with His will for our lives, is a theme I’ve explored many times over the years during my personal study.

While coming up with ideas for my latest release, Murder of Convenience, I decided to once again examine the topic. As a result, I subjected my protagonist, Geneva Alexander, to Retinitis Pigmentosa, a debilitating disease with no cure. The ultimate prognosis is a loss of vision for the victim. She would like God to provide a miracle and restore her sight, but the odds of that happening are slim. I won’t give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say, it was interesting to be the author in the position to make the decision of what happens to her. Gave me much food for thought.

Are you struggling with having received a “no” from the Lord? My prayer is that you will rest in God’s sovereignty for your life and know that He has your best interests at heart.

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

You can find Linda’s newest novel, Murder of Convenience, on Amazon now!

May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.

Set in the early days of America’s entry into WWII and featuring cameo appearances from Hollywood stars, Murder of Convenience is a tribute to individuals who served on the home front, especially those who did so in spite of personal difficulties, reminding us that service always comes as a result of sacrifice. Betrayal, blackmail, and a barrage of unanswered questions… Murder of Convenience is the first in the exciting new “Women of Courage” series.

It is always hard when God says no. Thank you, Linda, for this wonderful devotional today. If no one else needed it, I certainly did. You can connect with Linda on the following social media links:

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Linda has graciously agree to give away a copy of her new book! Paperback for US residents or ebook for international. Please leave a comment for her below to be entered to win. The winner will be drawn on October 24th at 1 PM EST. Please share the giveaway with your friends too!

THE FINE PRINT: CONTEST VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. ONLY US RESIDENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A PAPERBACK COPY. EACH COMMENTER IS ASSIGNED A NUMBER AND THE WINNER IS DRAWN USING RANDOM.ORG. WINNERS WILL HAVE TWO WEEKS FROM THE DATE OF THE DRAWING TO CLAIM THEIR PRIZE.