When God Says "No"

God has his reasons for how he answers our prayers.

PRAYER

Daniel Dore

6/4/20253 min read

man holding his hands on open book
man holding his hands on open book

When God Says No

Last month my wife, Michelle, had a medical procedure. When it was over, we drove home and Michelle felt fine; she just needed some rest. The day went smoothly and she slept well that night.

When I left for work the next morning, Michelle felt like a headache was coming on. She asked me to pray that she would not have a migraine. Off and on all that day I prayed for no migraine, good rest, no fever, and that she would have a good appetite.

At lunch break, when we had our daily video call, Michelle did not look so well. She had a migraine, nausea, and no appetite. I told her that with no overtime that day I would be home the regular time. I could not wait to see her and help her, if I could.

When I arrived home, her sister, who had come to lend a hand, was just leaving. She told me she was worried that Michelle wasn’t getting better. She was right. My wife looked worse than when I saw her at lunch. I took her temperature and it was 99.1. So, added to her other symptoms, she had a slight fever. Then I asked if she had been able to nap; she just shook her head. Did she eat anything? “No.” Was she getting fluids in her? She nodded. (At least she was not dehydrated.)

Two hours later she had a temperature of 99.6. She hadn’t slept, and her migraine was still hurting, despite my gentle neck rubs. We kept looking at the post-procedure write-up for what would trigger a return visit to the doctor. We decided to wait and see.

Late in the evening, with Michelle starting to feel somewhat better, and her temperature back to normal, we talked about the day. She had lots of help from her sisters, and for that she was thankful. (I wished I had stayed home from work.) I told her I was discouraged that God had not answered my prayers for her. All day long, when she came to mind, I prayed for her healing. For rest. For no fevers. No migraine. Why did God not answer? She simply said, in a weak voice, “He has his reasons.”

In a few moments a thought came to me. She was so thankful for the help, and presence, of her sisters throughout the day. It blessed her so much, especially knowing that it would not have happened if she had no post-procedure suffering. Or if I were there. Or if my prayers were answered. We talked about this and saw God’s goodness in it. Michelle also told me that her sisters were blessed just to be a help. So not only was the patient blessed, but the helpers were blessed to be ministering as well. (Thank you, Lord, we are starting to understand your ways.)

As we continued to marvel at how the Lord uses suffering to bless, Michelle had another thought. She knows several dear friends who are suffering from some condition or other. It is hard to relate to such people in our lives; but now she can, even just a little, feel their pain. This experience has made her more understanding of their plight. Just another gem we found to thank God for during our short trial. It was soon over. Michelle finally slept that night, around midnight, when her migraine subsided. The next day showed no signs of post-procedure conditions. Her appetite slowly returned, and she could nap on and off throughout the day.

We can trust our Heavenly Father, even when He chooses to say "No." He has his reasons!

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:10-11)

Coming soon: Part Two "When God Says Not You" -- look for it this summer, right here!