The king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!” 2 Samuel 7:2
King David had in his heart to build a temple, a permanent temple so Israel could worship Jehovah. It was a good idea. David’s motives were honorable. Yet, God said no.
Let’s be honest, when we talk about God answering our prayers, what we really mean is God answering our prayers the way we want Him to. We rejoice and testify when He gives us what we asked for, what we want. Everything gets derailed when we don’t receive. We worry about our relationship with God. Our faith wavers. We grumble that He’s distant, uncaring, or untouched by our situation.
Scripture assures us that God hears every prayer we utter. Every single prayer. Sometimes the answer is just ‘no’. That ‘no’ and how we receive it can reveal more about our relationship with God than a ‘yes’ ever could.
It will tell us whether we love God Himself or just the things He does for us.
It will tell us whether we are surrendered to God’s agenda, or we expect Him to follow ours.
It will reveal if we feel entitled to God’s favor rather than clinging to His grace.
Do we truly believe God has our best interests always at heart?
Do we genuinely trust His plan for our lives?
Is our faith real or fake?
We find out when God says ‘no.’