No Doesn't Necessarily Mean No
The journey from July of 2019, my last blog post, and today is an extensive one. We sold our beautiful home in Arizona in just six days, moved to another state, and have been remodeling an older home we bought, while living in it. I swore to myself that I'd never live in a home while it was being remodeled, but never say never! (My dad was a "house flipper" before there was such a term. We moved into these homes that were just dumps and then moved out when they were fixed up, so he could sell them!) During this process, a few things have gone well and many things have gone wrong at least once and sometimes several times.
This morning as I watched water seep out onto the hardwood floor from under the recently removed kitchen sink, my nerves were frayed. I was so upset my hands shook. Why? Why can't something just get completed correctly and on time? After bemoaning my situation to friends while texting, one called me. She's a godly woman who has experienced her share of trouble and tribulation.
We discussed Coronavirus and what God may have in mind for all that is happening in the world and our own lives. She mentioned children and how their first word is often "no." I said, without thinking, "Kids pick up 'no' so quickly because their parents are always saying it, but their parents say it for their children's safety and the children often say 'no' to be defiant. Just as God tells us 'no' for our safety and we often respond by saying 'no' to be defiant."
God and most parents try to keep us from doing things that they know are not in our best interest. We, as adults and as children, often say 'no' to get our ways, regardless of whether it's the best thing for us. As children, we don't have enough experience under our belts to make informed decisions about the consequences of our behaviors. As adults, we often know what is right, but don't obey God's will because we are determined to have things our way. Whether due to a lack of faith or doubt or even deliberate rejection of God's direction, we say "no."
God would only have our best, not second best, in mind. So, our disobedience results in consequences that can affect not only our lives, but others. The consequences can be in the present or the future. We may never see the full picture that is painted by our sinful decisions. Even now, people are hoarding toilet paper and refusing to obey quarantines, because they are doing what seems best for them. God tells us He will supply all of our needs and that we are to obey the government authorities He puts in to place.
God knows that "no" is often better for us than "yes." So, "no" doesn't necessarily mean "no" as in a bad way, sometimes it's for our protection and direction as well as the best for those people's lives with whom we interact with daily and possibly will influence in the future. We are a pebble in many people's ponds; what kind of ripples are we making?
This morning as I watched water seep out onto the hardwood floor from under the recently removed kitchen sink, my nerves were frayed. I was so upset my hands shook. Why? Why can't something just get completed correctly and on time? After bemoaning my situation to friends while texting, one called me. She's a godly woman who has experienced her share of trouble and tribulation.
We discussed Coronavirus and what God may have in mind for all that is happening in the world and our own lives. She mentioned children and how their first word is often "no." I said, without thinking, "Kids pick up 'no' so quickly because their parents are always saying it, but their parents say it for their children's safety and the children often say 'no' to be defiant. Just as God tells us 'no' for our safety and we often respond by saying 'no' to be defiant."
God and most parents try to keep us from doing things that they know are not in our best interest. We, as adults and as children, often say 'no' to get our ways, regardless of whether it's the best thing for us. As children, we don't have enough experience under our belts to make informed decisions about the consequences of our behaviors. As adults, we often know what is right, but don't obey God's will because we are determined to have things our way. Whether due to a lack of faith or doubt or even deliberate rejection of God's direction, we say "no."
God would only have our best, not second best, in mind. So, our disobedience results in consequences that can affect not only our lives, but others. The consequences can be in the present or the future. We may never see the full picture that is painted by our sinful decisions. Even now, people are hoarding toilet paper and refusing to obey quarantines, because they are doing what seems best for them. God tells us He will supply all of our needs and that we are to obey the government authorities He puts in to place.
God knows that "no" is often better for us than "yes." So, "no" doesn't necessarily mean "no" as in a bad way, sometimes it's for our protection and direction as well as the best for those people's lives with whom we interact with daily and possibly will influence in the future. We are a pebble in many people's ponds; what kind of ripples are we making?
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Now I'm finished laughing at ask your home remodeling projects as I face our appliance issues. God tests us so that we can see how far we've grown.
ReplyDeleteJust the other day I was showing my sister James 4:11 where we are not to slander. That makes us think we are a judge and law giver. But there is only one Judge and Law Giver. Thanks for writing this. Good scriptures to ponder and study.
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