I've prayed and prayed... Last week my good friend Gerard John asked this question: 'if a child asks the mother for chocolate cake for breakfast and the mother said 'no', was the child answered? Of course the child was answered, just not with the answer the child wanted. Sometimes the answer is simply 'no'... Sometimes I hear people say 'I've prayed and prayed and God does not anwer my prayers...' and to be honest I have said that too and I've learn't to appreciate those moments when God hits me right between the eyes and I am reminded that I can be something of a spoiled child if I only think God answers my prayers when he says 'yes'.
I mean I am a parent, the father of two wonderful children, who has had to answer 'no' on several occassions because I believed that what they are asking for may not have always been good for them. My response is out of love not spite, so why do I have this attitude about God? It seems that my image of God is not as a loving Father but as a vending machine; put in some prayer, press the button and voila, requested item comes out. Sorry Lord and thanks for your patience. Oh yes, 'no' can be an answer too! So when we pray and God's answer is 'no', let's not pout and sulk like spoilt children but ask him for what he has that is good for us. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to say 'yes!'. Peace.
3 Comments
Trudy
7/1/2012 06:29:54 am
As a fairly new parent of 2, I can now fully appreciate the angle you are coming from in accepting a "no" from God as an answer to prayer. May we adults learn to set the example to our children in this regard. Blessings! Trudy
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Kevin Hansut
7/10/2012 07:49:23 am
As a father, I have always found saying no to my child when she was in need, however over the years I have learned it is necessary for her growth as an individual. I certainly believe, God being all knowing, has known this all along and when he has said no to me, it was for the best reasons and for my growth spiritually.
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Willard Wallace
7/25/2012 08:43:17 am
I agree with both replies and share there sentiments. Although i must admit that sometimes it is very difficult to say no to your child. When not only the child but others don't know or understand why you have to say no and you begin to question or second guess your decision. God has the benefit of being all knowing. To take it a step further when i ask God for guidance or direction on a particular matter in my own and that still small voice seems especially still and extremely small. Is that an answer?
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Hi, welcome to my weekly blog. I'm deacon Michel and I love blogging and the healthy exchange of constructive ideas. Now my mind has been known to wander on a million different things all at once so don't be surprised at what you find here. I often scratch my head and go 'Huh?' at my own thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts with me.
DisclaimerThis blog reflects MY ongoing Christian journey: insights gained through the Holy Spirit, my experiences, my studies, my relationships. The content of this website is solely that of Deacon Michel du Chaussee, and does not represent the Archdiocese of Miami or any other entity of the Roman Catholic Church in any official capacity. Needless to say, I hope that none of my writings are contrary to the doctrines of faith and morals that are reflected in Sacred Tradition or as taught and guarded by the Magisterium of the Church or to the truths of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
For I take seriously what a very wise man has often said to me: "Ordination is not license for private practice" - Msgr. A. Andersen Archives
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