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And that's my final answer.....

So this weekend we got the opportunity to listen to Don Piper speak at our church. He wrote about his amazing testimony of his death experience (not near death....death, as in white sheet over his dismembered body for 90 minutes) in his book, 90 Minutes in Heaven.

Here is a little recap from his website:

In 1989, Don was on his way back from a church conference when an 18-wheeler struck his Ford Escort head on. He was killed instantly - pronounced dead by four sets of EMTs. Shortly after the accident, a pastor from the same conference arrived on the scene and began praying for "the man in the red car." God worked a miracle and sent Don back to a broken body. To date, 34 surgical procedures have taken place. He walks only as a result of miraculous and in some cases medically unexplainable circumstances. During the time he was dead, Piper was granted the extreme privilege of glimpsing Heaven itself.


This book has sold over 2.7 million copies and he now travels all over the world sharing his message of hope and healing. It was totally awesome!

Don touched upon so many important things we really need to think and pray about. He believes that we all have that second chance right now to live the life that God has called us to live. To treat people the way they should be treated. To make the best choices.....and to show others The Way as well.

There was one thing that he spoke about that really stuck with me.

He was reminding us that God is still in the miracle business and said that God always answers our prayers. Period.

Sometimes the answer is "yes", sometimes it is "later".....sometimes it is "I've got even more than you are asking for".....

.....sometimes, that answer is just "no". Because "no" still is an answer, is it not?

*sinking feeling in stomach*

It is not because God wants to withhold anything from us.....He loves us very much. I am pretty sure the reason the answer is "no" is just for that reason. He knows what is best for us.....even when we don't understand. I've had a few no's in my life.......many I am thankful that God knew what he was doing in the "answering prayers" department! But if I am going to keep it real.....I have been told "no" a few times these past few years and it's left me wondering why.

So what do you do when God's answer is "no"?

As you ponder that thought........I'll leave you with this beautiful poem by Claudia Minden Weisz

And God Said No

I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said, "No."
He said it is not for Him to take away,
but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
And God said, "No."
He said her spirit is whole,
Her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said, "No."
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation,
it isn't granted, it's earned.

I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said, "No."
He said He gives blessings,
Happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain,
And God said, "No."
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly
cares and brings you closer to Me."

I asked God to make my spirit grow,
And God said, "No."
He said I must grow on my own,
but He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked God if He loved me,
And God said, "Yes."
He gave me His only Son who died for me,
and I will be in Heaven someday because I believe.

I asked God to help me love others,
as much as He loves me.
And God said,

"Ah, finally you have the idea."



I'd love to hear your thoughts on hearing "no".....

Have a great day......and remember to live today to it's fullest!

xox
*~Michelle~*

21 comments:

Joyce said...

Well, I'm sad to say that occasionally I behave in the same way a 4 year old does when I'm told no. I try to work my own will into a situation and I beg and pester God and sometimes stomp my feet and cry ...it's hard to hear no. Most of the time in hindsight I can see the reason. And I can see that there was something better or I can see how a yes answer might not have been good for me.

But there is one particular situation that is still not clear to me. And I'm pretty sure its not going to be clear to me this side of heaven. I like to think though that when I get to heaven I will have an a-ha moment. Not sure if that's how it will work but I like to think so : )

I read 90 minutes in Heaven...interesting book for sure! Happy Easter!

amanda said...

no. an answer i've heard all too often. and i truly know that HE knows why, and knows what is better for me. but it doesn't make it any easier to hear it. i'm a fit thrower as well, only god is the best parent ever...he doesn't give in to my fits because he loves me that much!

RCUBEs said...

I love listening to Don Piper's preaching and very powerful indeed! It must make a difference to have been given that chance of seeing heaven? Because if I did, too, it's probably easier to accept His "no" to some prayers... :)

I think reevaluating our faith helps us to understand why He says "no". Then, I understand now that something not answered is not truly His will for me. I love that poem...Blessings to you sister and have a great week ahead...

Anonymous said...

'no' is where trust begins

~*Michelle*~ said...

"'no' is where trust begins"

WOW, Shirl......now that is good!

Beth Herring said...

I have always told my girls, "A 'no' now just means that there is a better 'yes' later"

God's plan always trumps our plan. Every time. He holds all the aces in His Hand.

Love you - Beth

Kristina P. said...

We have to have the no's to understand the yes's, I guess.

Billy Coffey said...

I read 90 Minutes in Heaven, too. Great, great book. Me, I still don't handle no very well sometimes. I think I'm gonna start saying to myself what Shirl said.

Tracy said...

If the truth be told, I'm one of those people who likes things my own way. So no is not the answer I want to hear.

I'm so grateful that I have a heavenly father who does what is best for me,instead of just giving me what I want. I'm grateful that He wants better for me than I want for myself.

Bill (cycleguy) said...

Michelle: I like the "Yes" because that means God agrees with me. I am unsure of the "wait" because it appears that God is saying "not yet." I don't like the "no" because that means God doesn't agree with what I want. Now...when I come down off my high horse and think I know what is best, I understand that the "no" is because (as you say) God knows best. Trouble is I could save myself a whole bunch of headaches if I would just accept His "no" and be done with it.

Kim said...

This post reminding me of a Brad Paisley song.

I know you aren't a country music fan but his song, "No", off of his American Saturday Night album is about this very thing.

Very touching....and a good reminder. As much as we all are control mongers to some point, we will benefit when we realize that control is only an illusion.

Mc Allen said...

wow, Im going now to reread it. Its pretty fitting with my mood today. Thank you! XOXO la

Mich said...

Great book. I bet it was wonderful hearing him speak.

I don't like to be told "no." And sometimes I can HATE what I'm going through, but how precious are the moments when I can look back at life and say "ah hah, I finally get it!" and realize that God just took me down another path, to a much more beautiful me.

Unknown said...

I like this answer you listed, "I've got even more than you are asking for." I wouldn't mind getting that one every now and then. Thanks for sharing the poem!

Alicia The Snowflake said...

Too many times to count. I wish I could say I always reacted w/grace. But too many times, I'm the spoiled child. Thank you for the reminder that when God says No, He always has a reason.

Take care my sweet friend!

Alleluiabelle said...

Hi Michelle,

This is a wonderful post and speaks directly to my heart. I have this book and it is a great read. It must have been awesome to have Don Piper come and speak directly to all of you.

"Sometimes the answer is "yes", sometimes it is "later".....sometimes it is "I've got even more than you are asking for".....

.....sometimes, that answer is just "no". Because "no" still is an answer, is it not?"

So true...I certainly have experienced all of the answers you listed above on so many occasions.

When I feel the answer is no, I continue to press into my Lord despite whatever the answer may be. He is my life, my love, my everything. All of my trust is in Him...so when times are really hard, and they have been for a long period of time due to health issues with myself, husband and our family...a long endurance of pain and suffering has been going on, but at the same time I've grown to love Him even more...trust Him even more...love Him even more. I rest in knowing that all is being taken care of by Him and that whatever prevails, whatever answer comes, it is the right answer because it comes from Him.

The trials, the long endurance, the testing, the suffering and so much more...only makes me stronger in my walk, faith, belief and love for Him. I want to be that person who radiates who He is...what He wants us to be...It's about surrendering our will and living totally in His.

May I mirror his reflection and shine brightly to others who He is through me and I in Him forever. May I fulfill His purpose for my life here on earth in the purest and highest levels humanly possible for I love Him so passionately with all of who I am.

You have touched me deeply through this post dear friend and it is very timely as well.

I became a follower of yours quite some time ago. I would be honored if you became a follower of mine at my site if you felt let to do so.

Thank you for blessing me today.

Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Covnitkepr1 said...

When God says "No", we're always better off than getting our way.
I'm your new follower.

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

I thank God for most of the NO's I have been given in life. I have needed them. Others? I will wait to see and ask. Great post.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Very good post...so glad that I did not miss it...After a hard week, spending a relaxing hour of blog hopping.

So glad I stopped by your blog. Happy Easter

Anonymous said...

EASTER GREETINGS FROM THE OLD GEEZER

I PRAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY CELEBRATING RESURRECTION SUNDAY.

HE IS RISEN!

GOD BLESS YOU, RON

I am His Beloved said...

Oh Michelle! I had to find out who this hippy fun mamma of 4 was following my blog and I am blown away! Love your posts and your heart!!Love our thoughts and you musings! love the music on your playlist..what a free incredible spirit you are, I am refreshed!
Julie

 

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