Did God Reject My Prayer: When God Says No. Sample

THE “NO” THAT REPOSITIONS

One of the famous stories in the Bible is that of a young man named Joseph. Joseph was a dreamer and his dreams led him into a lot of trouble because his siblings were jealous of him. They were so jealous that they plotted to kill him but ultimately sold him into slavery. When we consider this story, it's easy to wonder why God would sit down and watch his brothers sell him into slavery but God had plans! Plans of repositioning.

1. No Reveals His Promise:
   1. Joseph’s destiny could not be executed in his father's house, God had to reposition him for the promise to come. The promise could not unfold unless Joseph was in the land that had his promise, the land of Canaan. Oftentimes, God will make us uncomfortable to reveal His promise for our lives. The feeling is not always great and sometimes we feel like God has left us but we can be certain that He is working on our behalf. He is planning our future so that we don’t have to.
2. No Reveals His Plan:
   1. Joseph had no clue as to what God was doing in his life, I am sure he felt rejected and alone. I’m sure he called on the Father and heard no response but as the years went by, he began to see the plan of God unfolding. He revealed his future to him when he was as young as 17 and then he took him through slavery and prison to build him up for the wealth to come. Now our story may not have been as challenging as Joseph’s but we can find hope in the fact that if God did it for Joseph, our condition is nothing compared to Joseph's. God’s plan supersedes ours.
3. No Reveals The Bigger Picture:
   1. After being reunited with his brothers, Joseph reveals the bigger picture, saying, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” The lives of a nation were dependent on Joseph through God. Although Satan had a plan of destruction for us, God has a plan to build us up and He will never leave us. He will reveal what He is doing and it will all make sense one day just as it did for Joseph.
   2. Joseph understood God’s “no” and the suffering he endured was part of God’s greater plan to save lives. What seemed like a series of devastating “no” moments was actually God repositioning Joseph for a larger purpose that would have a lasting impact on his family and the nation.

Actions for Growth:

1. Embrace Change: actively seek God’s guidance in areas of life where you feel out of place. Ask Him to reveal if He’s repositioning you and what steps to take.
2. Focus on God’s Promises: Meditate on promises in the Bible, such as Romans 8:28, and declare them over your life.
3. Prepare for the Next Season: Start preparing spiritually, emotionally, and practically for the new.