Sometimes I wonder if one of our greatest challenges in life isn’t learning how to respond to the word ‘no’! I sure don’t like to hear it. Stephen Covey wrote in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Leaders, that great influencers create win-win situations. They find solutions. That’s more like it. Find a way to say yes! On the other hand, think about it this way: In the aisle of the department store, a young child can virtually demand that their desires be met or else … or else everyone will be kept miserable until their expectation is met. I say give ’em whatever they want … just kidding!
King David lived an extraordinary life. A city was named after him (Jerusalem). Israel would craft a national flag and put a star in the middle of it (the Star of David) and Jesus was even called the “Son of David.” David was also known as a man “after God’s heart.” But when it came to David’s request to build God a temple, God said no! When Jesus asked if the cup of suffering and death could be passed over, God said no! When Paul asked three times for the “thorn in his flesh” to be removed, God said no! Moses wanted to lead the Israelites into the Promise Land, but God said no!
Be wise about what you ask for and careful for what you demand. It will most likely reveal your heart and the Lord’s answer to your request will most certainly reveal His!
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel–that will stand.” -Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
