No, but Better

When we pray, we always want God to say, “Yes!”, don’t we? We assume that the best outcome is for God to give us exactly what we ask for. “God, just say, ‘Yes!’”

Sadly, he doesn’t. God doesn’t always say, “Yes!” Unanswered prayers lead to disappointed hearts.

But God doesn’t ever actually just say “No” to our prayers. Instead, he says, “No, but better.” If God says “No,” it’s because he has planned something better.

In the Bible, Paul was a missionary who was tormented by a “thorn in the flesh.” We don’t know exactly what that “thorn in the flesh” was, but it sounds like a painful physical ailment. Paul did what you and I would do: He prayed to God to take it away. Three times Paul pleaded with God to take that thorn in the flesh away from him.

But God said, “No.” Except God didn’t just say “No.” His full answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God’s answer was “No, but better.” In Paul’s mind, the best outcome was for his thorn to be taken away. God had a better plan. It was better for Paul to continue to face his thorn so that he could learn about the power of God’s grace for him.

When it seems like God’s answer to your prayer is “No,” keep your eyes and ears open. God’s “No” is always followed with something better. Trust him!