When God Says "No" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

When God Says "No"

Our priorities are inferior to His plans.

12
When God Says "No"
Ariel Bozeman

Some things are like a snow-covered field. Beautiful, magical, and covering of imperfections. Unfortunately, the beaming sun eventually melts the snow, and we're left with an ugly, dangerous, and sometimes deathly snow/ice mixture underneath that may endure for longer than the beauty ever did.

This isn't to say that the snow is any less brilliant of a provision and reminder of God's authority and care, but that once He is done with the amazing spectacle, the overall nastiness of our world seems to take over.

In a similar way, sometimes God's answers to our prayers or ways of thinking seem harsh and bleak. When all we can think about is the opportunity that comes with an event having one certain outcome, it's easy to feel hurt or mislead when the Lord has another plan.

It usually happens when things have been working out for a while. Like a child hoping for "one more" cupcake, Christians also find themselves begging God for their way. Then, when God answers, "No", to our most desperate pleas, as a caring parent does when a child has had too much chocolatey goodness for one million kids his size, we tend to stomp our feet and ball our fists because we just can't see the gain.

Even so, how sweet it is of our God to put up with us, wipe our tears (and our faces) and love us through our journey!

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."
- C.S. Lewis

I challenge you, lean on Him instead of blaming Him, praise Him instead of thinking He has given up on you. Whatever it is, you're way better off not letting yourself call the shots.

Be patient. Give yourself time to pray and discover what the Lord is working on for you. Don't limit Him to just what your human mind can dream up as "the best plan." Most of the time, He's teaching you a heart lesson above anything else. We all need to be reminded from time to time that our priorities are inferior to His plans. God will always be greater than the seeming emptiness of our situations.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

3746
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

1893
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

1434
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

1308
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments