HELEN SANDERS
5-20-2026
WHEN GOD SAYS NO

When we speak to God through prayer, he often will answer in three different ways. He may give a “yes” and you are delighted to hear it. He may give a “not now” or “later” and you may sigh and say “okay” and wait, trusting that in God’s timing it will come about. Then there is the definite “no” that you hear.

Just because God says “no” does not mean that he is angry with you and wants to withhold something. His “no” means that what you prayed about is not meant for you. It means that it might do far more harm than good if you pursue it. It means that God knows what is ahead and wants you to trust that the “no” is simply his way of saying there is something better.

As a pastor, I have seen people far too often rush into a relationship when God said “no.” They just figured they knew more than God. Then, when things fell apart, they wondered why God allowed it. Sadly, they did not receive the godly counsel that was given to them. It would have saved them a lot of heartache.

I have also seen doors shut in my own life that I thought were good, but God said no. It would be foolish to try to push open a door that God shuts. God’s “no’s” are for our own good. Do not try to reason out why he says no, just trust that he knows more than you and live with his “no.” When he shuts a door with a “no” it is either because he is protecting you or has something better in mind for you.