When God Says No, Slow, Grow, or Grow

Well, rise and shine, junebug, and pull yourself on up to this here front porch step. The Lord done turned the lights on this mornin’, and Isaiah 60:1 says your light has come, so you might as well be ‘a-actin’ like somebody done flipped that there heavenly switch. Now let’s talk for a lil’ ol’ spell about prayer ‘cause folks get more confused about prayer than a possum ‘a-tryin’ to do algebra.

According to 1 John 3:21-22, if we do not feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. That means we don’t have to tiptoe up to Him like a mouse ‘a-sneakin’ past a barn cat. God answers every prayer. Every single one of ‘em. Some folks say, “I have been ‘a-askin’ for years, but God has not answered.” Well, Butterbean, He might’a already done it, but you just didn’t like the answer. ‘Cept when he’s ‘a-askin’ you to wait for a while.

Sometimes God just says, “No.” Sometimes He says, “It’s gonna be slow.” Sometimes He says, “Ok, but you gotta grrow.” And sometimes, when the request is right, the timin’ is right, and we are a‑standin in the right place spiritually, He says, “Go.” And let me tell you, some of the best blessings you will ever get are the “no” answers. With a little spiritual maturity, you go to lookin’ back and ‘a-thinkin’, “Mercy, Lord, thank You for not lettin’ me marry that there fella or buy that there boat or adopt that there squirrel.” God knows what He’s ‘a-doin’.

Scripture gives us the secret sauce for getting’ a “yes” kind of answer. In 1 John 5:14-15, it says He hears us when we ask for anything that pleases Him. And in John 14:13-14, Jesus says we can ask for anything in His name. That means prayin’ in line with His heart, not treatin’ His name like a magic coupon code like you can just go ‘a-runnin’ down to the local dollar store to get it real fast.

Even Jesus prayed this way. In Matthew 6:10 He taught us to say, “Your will be done.” And in Matthew 26:39, right before the cross, He done prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” If Jesus done prayed that way, then buttercup, we sure ought to be ‘a-willin’ to be ‘a-followin’ His example.

So, when you be ‘a-prayin’, it’s real good to be ‘a-tellin’ God what you be ‘a-wantin’. Just add, “Lord, if I am ‘a-askin’ for somethin’ outside Your will, please overrule me.” That right there keeps your heart lined up real strait, straighter than a raggedy ol’ scarecrow ‘a‑standin in a cornfield.

Father, please be  teachin’ me to pray in a way that pleases You. Help me be knowin’ Your will, lovin’ Your will, and askin’ for Your will. Shape my heart so my prayers’ll be linin’ up with Your plans. Guide me day by day, and let my life be ‘a-bringin’ glory to Your name. In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

Well, I reckon that there is purty much enough heart-searchin’ porch talk for one day. Now you go on out there, friend, and keep ‘a-lookin’ up, and ‘a-prayin’ right. God’s will is steadier than a mule in mud, and He’ll be ‘a-guidin’ you every single step you’ll be ‘a-takin’ if you will only let Him.

With joy,

Gwen