Sometimes, we pray for a particular intention, but God replies, “No.” In those instances, we may feel anger, confusion, despair, or worse—apathy, because we do not understand why a good Father would not honor our deepest desires.
Perhaps, He has a better answer to our prayer!
Let me explain. Years ago, I took a sales class, and the sales trainer mentioned that sometimes sales reps have to tell a client or prospective client, "No." However, the trainer warned that sales representatives should never leave a conversation on a negative note. Instead, sales reps should follow-up the no with some type of yes. The yes must offer an alternate solution, which would more than suffice the client's needs. The option would entice the client to remain engaged in the conversation, ultimately closing the sale. Moreover, the relationship between the sales rep and the client transcends from impersonal transactions to a successful partnership.
Obviously, God is not a sales rep, peddling blessings and graces and mercy. He is Lord, and He wants us to seek Him for anything and everything. We go to Him in prayer, petitioning Him to help us with provision, pathways, and practical matters. We may ask for a job, a car, financial assistance, basic needs, a child, etc. We may ask for guidance in personal relationships, business deals, family dynamics, neighborhood discussions, and career development. We may ask for help with personal issues, fears, insomnia, trauma, and forgiveness. We seek Him for many aspects of our lives.
When He responds to our prayers with His blessings, we praise Him! We ask, He gives. But, sometimes, He honors our requests by not giving us what we request. Sometimes, He gives us what we need instead.
I hope this testimony illuminates God’s goodness when a prayer seems unanswered. Please know that Dallas and Nancy have extended permission for me to post their edited testimony; however, out of respect for the medical team, I have changed the doctor's name since I have not asked for his permission. Dallas emailed their testimony on February 2, 2024.
Hi Kim. I want to relate a personal experience to you. Nancy and I downloaded your book from Amazon on Wednesday and I started to read it. One of statements you made was you were so thankful that God did not give you what you asked for. He gave you what you truly needed.
We had been asking fervently for God to relieve the terrible pain in Nancy’s leg. All kinds of pain medication were meeting with limited success. A scan had been performed on Wednesday. We were on our way to get the results on Thursday, praying that the mass was shrinking. And then remembered your comment. I thought maybe we have asking for the wrong thing from the Lord.
When we got the results, they were not what we had expected. While the cancer has not grown and appears not to have spread to other parts of Nancy’s body, the cyst has grown significantly due the continuing fluid build-up. It was totally blocking the bladder causing it to swell significantly, creating potentially serious issues. They needed to drain the bladder immediately and do surgery as soon as possible.
When Dr Smith drained the bladder yesterday, the severe pain in Nancy’s leg stopped almost immediately and has not returned. Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday.
So while we were praying for the pain to cease and the chemo would shrink the tumor, the Lord has responded with what we really need to solve the pain issue and remove physically the cancer from Nancy’s body. Praise be to Lord Jesus.
Now our prayers are for the Lord to be with Dr Smith and his staff using the wisdom and talents he has given them to successful perform this surgery and start Nancy on the road to health.
Blessings,
Dallas
We should always bring our intentions to the Lord, but we do not need to limit the Lord by restricting our prayers to what we think we need. Sometimes, we need something different. Let's praise the Lord for giving us what we need, not necessarily what we desire! Have you ever experienced His no, but yes?
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