“No! Get down off that ladder. Don’t jump down. Climb down slowly,” I instructed, but I never anticipated a thanks for the no. 

Ten minutes later, “No! Don’t throw the cat in the rain barrel. I know you want to see her swim, but she doesn’t want to swim.” 

My five-year-old grandson glanced my way and took off searching for more adventures. Did he thank me for telling him no? Definitely not. I’m still waiting on my thanks for the no. But I don’t anticipate getting a thank you for wanting something better for him anytime soon.  

The last time God told me no, I don’t remember stopping to tell Him thank you, either. At least not right away. Maybe down the road, when I realized what He saved me from, but it usually took some distance and time to appreciate the no. 

I’m in good company. God told Jesus no in the garden.

And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”

~Mark 14:36 NASB 2020

God did not remove the cup from Jesus. He suffered and died for me. However, there is a vast difference between Jesus’ prayer and many of my own. Jesus prayed for and submitted to God’s will. How often have I prayed about something and tagged on the words, “if it’s Your will?” Is that a rote phrase, or do I really mean it? Jesus did, and Jesus obeyed.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him, being designated by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

~Hebrews 5:8-9 NASB 2020

Maybe I should, in my circumstances, ask how I could be used in them instead of focusing solely on how to avoid them. God may not necessarily give me a way out, but He always gives me a way through. And He’s there with me. God has a plan–one infinitely better than anything I could ask for. If I get a no or a wait, He has something bigger and better down the road to bring more glory to Him. The closer God draws me to Himself, the closer my will aligns with His will. And His glory increases.

Take time regularly to thank God for the no’s in your life.

Father, thank You for the no’s. I have received better things each time, and You have revealed more of Your glory. Thank You for giving me Your best.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Thanks for the No: Sharon Davis: All Rights Reserved