• Being told “no” is not easy.

    • Kids don’t like “no” and neither do adults.

  • Times in the Bible when God answered petitions with “yes”:

    • Exodus 32; Numbers 14 – Moses interceded for the Israelites

    • II Kings 20 – Hezekiah’s request to live longer

  • Sometimes God’s answer is “no.”

  • Considerations for prayer

    • We must be in a right relationship with God. I Peter 3:7

    • We must not ask for something that contradicts His will. James 4:3

    • Our perspective is limited by our minds. Isaiah 55:8-9

  • God told Paul “no.”

  • “My grace is sufficient for you.”

    • When life doesn’t go our way, we may question our faith.

    • God may say “no” because we need reminding of what He has done for us. Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9

    • The effects of God’s grace must be seen in our lives. II Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:11-14

    • Sufficient à to be enough

    • Application: Even in being told “no,” there is good.

      • Occasion to thank God for what He has done.

  • “My power is made perfect in weakness.”

  • “I am content with …”

    • Content à it seems good to me, is one’s full pleasure

    • Isaiah 53:7 – At what point did Jesus ever express discontent?

    • Paul boasted of his weakness.

    • There is value in sharing our challenges with others. James 5:16

    • Revelation 3:15-17 – A false impression of strength is damaging.

    • Application: How might your challenges, or those facing society, allow you to show true contentedness?

  • When God’s answer is “no”

    • Remember His grace.

    • Let His power shine in your weakness.

    • Be content with your lot in life.