Sometimes God Says NO

I am blessed enough that I am able to work from home full time. It’s a huge blessing. Recently, a job opportunity came up for a Team Lead position. I have been praying for open doors and some relief for financial difficulties when this came up. It meant a raise and a promotion. I was certain that God was nudging me in that direction. So, I stepped way outside of my comfort zone and sent in my resume. Now, if you know me at all, you know how out of character this was for me. It took all that I had to put myself out there like that. I am shy and a bit of an introvert (like Godzilla was bit of a lizard), so it was a struggle.

I was sure this was the door God was opening for me. However, after 3 rounds of interviews, that I thought went quite well, I did not get the job. I’ll be honest, I struggled. It was a bitter pill to swallow. I was perfectly qualified, had the experience and am capable of performing the job and doing it well. I have been on the team for almost 5 years. On paper, I was a perfect fit. I couldn’t understand why, if God had prompted me to apply, why He would close that door.

But going through that process taught me a couple of things. Sometimes, God says no. That’s what happened this time. He said.. ‘No, that’s not what I have for you’. Our God is a loving and caring God. He doesn’t say no just for the sake of it. Unlike my childhood when I was sure my Dad’s answer ‘Because I said so’ was just to be mean. (It wasn’t, but that’s how I took it as a child adamantly demanding an answer to my ‘why?’ )

Romans 8:28 – ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’

It is so important in times like these to continue to live by faith. I have learned over the course of my years, that God has a plan. And it’s a better plan that anything I could possibly come up with.

Many times, God’s ‘no’ is a redirection or protection. I was applying for this promotion in hopes of a little more financial relief. However, it would have required me to go into the office 3 days a week. That would mean more money out for gas and wear and tear on my car. I would possibly need more work appropriate clothes. Because, let’s face it…leggings and t-shirts won’t exactly cut it at the office. Not to mention, I would have to pay to have someone come to the house three days a week and let my dog, Dallas out. When I began adding it all up, the increase in pay would have actually been a decrease in my available funds. I call that protection. I have faith and trust in His plan… that He will direct my steps and open the right doors in the future.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 – ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything gives thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

I am also learning how to praise God in all things. At times, it’s difficult, I admit. Especially when we’re so convinced we know what’s best for us and God says no. But, I do praise Him. I praise Him for His protection from a position that would have meant less money in my pocket and more stress in my life. I praise Him because I know His plan is better than my plan. I praise Him because He never stops loving me and guiding me. I praise Him for teaching me. I may not have gotten that promotion, but I did learn how to be a little more brave. I learned how to polish up on my interview skills and resume building.. just in case. And I learned how to have a new appreciation for my current role and where I get to do it.

Last, but certainly not least.. I praise God for His constant love and presence in my life, for His guidance and grace even though I do not deserve it.

Romans 8:38-39 ‘For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’