Sometimes, in life, Abba Father God says “No” to our prayerful requests. It is difficult when we cannot get what we want or what we think we need. Sometimes our Lord, in His infinite wisdom, removes something from us that He knows is not good for us, but we might not realize the value of Abba’s wisdom at the time. We could lose a friend, or a strong bond we have with someone, and it hurts, but most times, when God removes something from us that is not good for us, we later discover that it was indeed for our benefit. We might lose a relationship, but we will also lose the anxiety that goes with it if it was not good for our well-being.
Perhaps we might lose an opportunity, but later we will find out that we gain much more in a different situation. We might not always realize what or why Abba is trying to manoeuvre our circumstances, but when we give our lives to Him to control; He will always do what is best for us according to His plans and purposes. Isaiah 55:12 says, ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.”
I remember a time, when 2 decades had passed after my late husband had died, I met and fell in love with a man who was also a teacher and a missionary like me. I thought he was God’s choice for me. But God said “No” and he brought Seppo, my dearest Finnish husband, into my life. At that time, I was not madly in love with Seppo, but Seppo was convinced that I was God’s choice for him, so he asked me to pray about it. The more I prayed; the more peace God gave to me, and He said, “YES! This is the one I have chosen for you.” We have been happily married now for 15 years and I have never regretted Abba’s choice for me as Christ gave a deeper, more abiding love to me for my Finnish husband, and the love grows continually. Also, God uses me more in Finland (than anywhere else) to preach, teach and write His Word.
Abba Father hurts when we hurt, but our pain is needed to bring us more spiritual growth and joy later. We only need to trust Jesus and His plans for us. We might not always get what we want, but we will always get what we need. Even if we lose friends or loved ones, we have the best, most loyal, strong Friend in Jesus. He will never disappoint us or leave us. His sweet presence heals, restores and renews, guides and helps us constantly when we trust Him! “(Lord) You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Blessed, most Holy, Loving Jesus, thank You that You always know what is best for me. Help me to trust You to control and organize my life as You see fit. You faced hurts and challenges and disappointments when on earth. You were “despised and rejected by mankind, a Man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” (Isaiah 53:3) Yet you surrendered Your life willingly to Abba Father and His plans for You and for us. Thank You that I can trust You and rest in Your loving guidance and plans for me. Thank You for Isaiah 40:31 AMP version which says, “And those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” I love You my precious Good Shepherd. I trust and love You with all my heart, soul and mind. Amen
Myrtle Turunen