When God Says No: Trusting in His Plan Through the Storm
When God Says No: Trusting in His Plan Through the Storm
Have you ever heard the saying, "You find out exactly who a person is after you tell them no"? Think about it—have you ever told someone "no," and suddenly their love, kindness, and affection seem to fade? Maybe they stop talking to you as much or seem to forget all the times you said "yes" before this one "no." Perhaps you had a genuine reason for saying "no," a reason that might even protect them or shield both of you from future pain. Yet their reaction leaves you feeling anything but honored.
Now, let’s flip this around. Has God ever told you "no" or given you a "not yet" when you were praying for something you thought you needed right away? Did that experience change your relationship with Him? Did you question His love for you or His faithfulness? Perhaps you even began reminding God of His promises, declaring over your life what you thought His will was—though He was clearly saying "no." When we face God’s "no," it often tests our trust, forcing us to go beyond just saying we trust Him to actually living it out in our daily lives.
We know God can deliver us; we’ve seen Him show up time and again, healing, providing, and intervening in ways we never imagined. But often, the real struggle is whether God will deliver us before we have to suffer. As believers, we sometimes grow so accustomed to God rescuing us from pain that we overlook that suffering can actually be an honor, a path walked by Jesus Himself.
Consider our sacrifices for Christ—our faithful prayers, intercession, giving, forgiving, and repenting. We may think, “I don’t deserve this!” We trick ourselves into believing that our works shield us from suffering, yet the Bible is clear: “It rains on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Even the first martyr, Stephen, suffered and died for his faith, his reward seeming to be an earthly death rather than immediate rescue.
The apostle Paul echoed this perspective in Colossians 1:24, saying, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake." Similarly, 1 Peter 2:21 reminds us that suffering is part of our calling, allowing us to follow in Christ’s footsteps. And yet, when suffering arrives, we often let doubt creep in, forgetting God’s past faithfulness and the truth that His "no" doesn’t require our full understanding.
Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." God's plans are beyond our comprehension, yet we can trust Him fully, knowing His purpose for us is always good.
We are reminded of His promises in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Psalm 40:5 further assures us of His abundant love, stating, “Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order."
When God tells us to wait or says "not yet," it’s a call to trust in His higher plan. We may not see all He is doing behind the scenes, but His word assures us of His goodness. Following Christ doesn’t make us exempt from struggles—it equips us to endure them with hope, peace, love, joy, kindness, gratitude, and praise. Humbling ourselves in these seasons can be painful, but it aligns us closer to Him.
Finding Faith-Reminders for Your Journey
In times when God’s answer is "no" or "not yet," having a tangible reminder of His love and faithfulness can be comforting. That’s why I designed the jewelry in My Life Matters to Jesus—to serve as a physical symbol of hope, faith, and God’s promises. Each piece in our collection is crafted to remind you of your identity in Christ and the strength found in Him. When the journey feels heavy, or you’re facing a season of waiting, consider wearing something that helps you keep faith alive, like our Identity Bracelet from the Freedom Five Collection, symbolizing our true identity in Christ even when we face difficulties.
We also offer the My Life Matters to Jesus T-Shirt, which serves as a bold statement of faith and a reminder of God’s purpose for you. Wearing this shirt can be a way to embrace and declare that your life has meaning and value in Christ, no matter what season you’re in.
At My Life Matters to Jesus, We’re Here to Encourage You
Our mission at My Life Matters to Jesus is to remind you that everyone has a purpose and identity in Christ, even through seasons of pain. Our products—whether jewelry, apparel, or journals—are created to serve as symbols of His love and strength, helping you to hold onto faith no matter what season you’re in.
God’s "no" or "not yet" isn’t a sign of rejection but an invitation to trust Him deeper. In seasons of waiting, discomfort, or suffering, He often shifts us from one reality to another, letting old ways and mindsets die off to birth something new. What feels like the end is often the beginning. When you feel frustrated or discouraged, remember that God sees the full picture, even if you don’t. Stay the course, remain in His love, and let your trust be anchored in the One who holds your future.
Embrace His timing, His plans, and know that while the journey may be difficult, it will always be for your ultimate good.
If you’re looking for faith-centered reminders of God’s love and promises, explore our collection at My Life Matters to Jesus. Each item is created to encourage you and help you keep faith alive, especially in times of waiting and trial.
I like how you start out with the example of how a person’s attitude changes when you say no. This is an excellent article that constantly reminds us to ask ourselves: Do we do the same with God? When God tells us no, do we examine our behavior? Do we stop praying and believing in him? Thank you for this article. I Look forward to reading many more of your articles.
I love the way you delivered this reminder to always trust in God’s plan! I know a lot of people, including myself, struggle with this but this article was the perfect reminder to believe and trust in Him.
This is good. A needed reminder that when going through something to remember that my Life matters to him. He knows what is best for me. Be a “yes”, “no” or a “not now”. My part is to trust him, wait on him and have faith in him.
Thank you for this reminder. It’s so true that sometimes the wait is the hardest. I waited over 12 years for my baby girl, but God was so faithful! It was all in his timing. Thank you! 🙏🏻
Such a wonderful statement behind the creation of your company. I wish you so much love and luck with your endeavors. May God bless your business now and into the future!