God’s No Is Better Than Yes

What have you asked God for and you feel He said “No”? Is it possible that God’s “no” is better than a “yes”?

It’s hard to believe isn’t it?

This type of prayer could involve anything. A healing. A friendship. A destination, job, or the start of something - even an end of something.

When Paul was ministering (a good and Godly thing), “When they came near the country of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not let them.” (Acts 16:7 NCV)

This is one of those verses that’s easy to read quickly and move past. But if you pause and really sit with it, it speaks volumes.

Paul and his team were not running from God. They weren’t being rebellious or disobedient. They were actively trying to do the work of ministry. They had a plan. It looked good. It probably felt right. And yet, the Spirit of Jesus said no.

That kind of “no” is hard to swallow.

It messes with our expectations. Especially when we’re doing something that seems good or godly.

But sometimes, even the best of plans still need to be surrendered. “We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” (Proverbs 16:1 NCV)

The Spirit didn’t just sit back and watch. He intervened. He blocked the path.

He redirected the mission. And Paul listened. That’s a key part of this story.

Paul didn’t try to force it. He didn’t spiritualize his own ambition. He yielded to the Spirit’s leadership, even when it disrupted his strategy.

That kind of sensitivity to God’s voice is rare.

Too often we barrel forward, assuming our desire and God’s will are automatically aligned with ours. But what if the delays and closed doors in our lives are not roadblocks to fight through, but protection and direction from the hand of God?

“People may plan what they want to say, but it is the Lord who gives them the right words.” (Proverbs 16:1 NCV)

Later Paul would receive the vision of the Macedonian man calling for help. He would go to Philippi, where Lydia’s heart would be opened to the gospel. A slave girl would be set free. A jailer and his whole household would be saved.

That entire chain of events happened because Paul didn’t force his way into Bithynia. He let the Spirit of Jesus lead.

That’s the invitation for us too. When you and I pray, do we really try to listen?

Maybe you’re facing something that feels like a dead end. Maybe you’ve knocked on a door that won’t open no matter how hard you try.

It might not be rejection, it might be redirection.

God’s no is not always a setback. Sometimes it’s setting you and I up for something better. I get it. It’s hard to believe. But that’s exactly what we need to do - believe and trust.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.” (Proverbs 3:5–6 NCV)

One more thing. It’s not always “Yes or No” - sometimes, it’s just another way. Or even “not now”. God “always” has our best interest in His heart.

LORD, help me see my request of “let me go my way” vs “you lead me”. Open and close what needs to be opened and closed. Help me trust and follow. I want my obedience not to just go, but sometimes stop. You love us and your ways are better than ours. Help us believe it. IJNIP amen ♥️