When God Says No (Even When It Makes No Sense)

Have you ever been absolutely sure something was a good idea… only to feel that little nudge that said, “No”?

Not a loud voice. Not a flashing sign. Just a quiet, steady feeling that something wasn’t right. And you think, That doesn’t make sense.

I’ve been there more times than I care to admit.

The Assumption That Almost Got It Wrong

Recently, I was listening to a sermon by Michael Todd, and something he said stuck with me.

Before he became a pastor, he was in the music industry. He could play, write, produce, all of it. So when he got asked to perform one of his songs at a big event, he immediately said yes.

Of course he did. It made perfect sense. The song was about Jesus. It would glorify God. There didn’t seem to be a single reason to say no.

But there was one problem. He never asked God.

As soon as he agreed, he felt the Holy Spirit whisper, “You never consulted Me.”

When God Says No… and Keeps Saying No

So, he went back and prayed about it. And the answer? No.

Not once. Not twice. Every time he asked, the answer was still no.

Meanwhile, the event organizers kept calling back with different offers. Maybe this instead. Maybe that instead.

Each time, he checked first. Each time, God said no. Until finally, they asked if he would open the event in prayer.

And this time…God said yes.

It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense

That’s the part that gets me.

There was nothing wrong with him singing that song. In fact, it sounded like a good thing.

But good doesn’t always mean God’s best.

And that’s where we get tripped up.

I don’t know about you, but I like things to make sense. I like a clear plan. I like knowing why I’m doing something.

Joe will tell you, if there’s a “why,” I’m going to ask it. Probably twice.

But God doesn’t always explain Himself.

Obedience Matters More Than Understanding

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is this…God doesn’t require my understanding. He asks for my obedience.

Even when I don’t see the full picture.
Even when it feels inconvenient.
Even when it goes against what I want.

The truth is, we don’t always need to know why. Sometimes, the blessing is simply in the obedience.

God Will Guide You… Step by Step

The Bible reminds us that God doesn’t leave us guessing.

Isaiah 30:20-21 (NIV)
²⁰ Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. ²¹ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

And I love this one too:

Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
¹¹ The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

That doesn’t sound like a God who leaves us hanging, does it?

My Own “This Makes No Sense” Moment

Starting this blog is one of those things in my life that didn’t make sense at the time.

I hated having my photo taken. I didn’t know the first thing about blogging. Fashion training? None. Technical skills? Let’s just say… not impressive. Lol!

So when my sister first suggested it, I said no. And I meant it.

But about a year later, something shifted. I felt that nudge, that quiet push that wouldn’t go away. And this time… I said yes.

Not because it made sense.
But because I felt like God was leading me.

Are We Asking… or Just Assuming?

If I’m being honest, I don’t always go to God first. I wish I did.

Sometimes I assume something is fine because it looks good, sounds good, or feels right. But assumptions can lead us in the wrong direction.

Luke 11:28 (NIV)
²⁸ He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

That’s the goal, isn’t it?

To hear Him.
To trust Him.
And to follow, even when it doesn’t make sense.

What If the “No” Is Actually Protection?

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about lately…What if God’s “no” isn’t a punishment… but protection? What if He sees something we don’t?

A door we shouldn’t walk through.
A situation that wouldn’t end well.
A path that looks good now, but leads somewhere we don’t want to go.

We don’t always get the explanation. But we can trust the One giving the answer.

A Simple Shift That Changes Everything

We can’t go back and change the times we didn’t ask God first. But we can start today.

Before saying yes.
Before making plans.
Before assuming something is right.

We can pause…And ask. Then, whatever the answer is, we trust Him enough to follow.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With A Prayer

Lord,
Help us to seek You first in every decision we make. Give us ears to hear Your voice and hearts willing to obey, even when it doesn’t make sense.

When You say no, remind us that You are protecting and guiding us in ways we may not understand. Teach us to trust You more each day and to walk in faith, not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard.

Amen.