The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him. (lk.8:38-39 NLT)
Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” (Acts 16:8-10 NLT)
He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Lk. 22:41-44 NLT)
Take a moment to reflect: what was the impact when God said, “no”-
To the man freed from demons,
To Paul attempting to go to the cities Asia,
Jesus in Gethsemane?
My family and I experience a toxic and painful environment for years in a traditional Southern Baptist Church. There were three pastor selection committees hearing me preach. Each decided not to invite me to be considered their pastor.
I was devastated by their rejection. I could not understand why God would say no and leave me and my family in such a painful improvement. Eventually, I resigned the church and fifty-five people birthed Turlock Community Fellowship. This tiny church eventually touched thousands, here in the states and throughout the world.
Townend and Cloud content the depth of any relationship is revealed as how we respond to another’s, “no.”
“No, is a complete sentence,” Anne Lamont.
Consider for a moment, a recent or significant experience, when God said, “no.” What were the issues for you? What did you come to realize out of that experience? Who or what, if any, were the angels supporting you?