Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1:7
David’s baby was dying. David prayed and begged God to let the baby live.
God said, “No.”
Jonah reluctantly warned the people in the city of Nineveh that God would punish them if they didn’t stop doing evil and start obeying God. Even as he preached, Jonah wanted God to punish the people of Nineveh anyway.
God said, “No.”
David and Jonah didn’t like God’s answers. They had both wanted God’s answers to be different.
God stood by His answers to these men. God did what He knew was best although David and Jonah didn’t understand or like His decisions.
People aren’t always going to like the decisions you make. Sometimes you will have to say, “No.” While some people won’t like your answer and they may even give you a hard time about it – just as Jonah did with God – you must still do what you know is right.
God is strong enough to take it when He says, “No,” and we disagree with or dislike His answer. He expects us to be strong and courageous, too. In 2 Timothy 1:7 we read, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” God will give you the courage and strength to take it when we must say, “No,” and others disagree with or dislike our answer. He has given us “a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline” so that we can stand firm and do what is right, and honor God with our lives.
I pray that we would all live the courageous, disciplined lives that God wants us to live!
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be courageous. In Jesus’ name. Amen.