When God says, “no” or “not now”…

This week, I was supposed to be starting my Social Work Masters program. I had already been admitted, met my advisors and right when I was about to register for classes 3 weeks ago, God told me, “no, not now”. “Wait, huh Lord why”? I began to wrestle with God. I was soooo confused, sad, let down and to be honest, a bit upset. I felt like here we go again… another thing I have to surrender… “but Why Lord, I need it for this current assignment you have me doing.” What about my resume Lord?” So many other questions ran through my mind.

In my head I just knew I could do motherhood (Plus bonus motherhood raising 4 bonus sons plus one of our own), marriage, house parenting, writing, social life, ministry, and school all together, but in my heart I knew deep down that my plate was too full and not what God needed on it in this current season… So school had to go. Though I understood in the natural why I couldn’t go, I needed clarity as to why spiritually God has said “no, not now”… and as He always does, He gave me the answer with so much clarity.

In the moment when I wondered, “God, in this field I’m in, most people “need” their masters to do what you’ve called me to do more effectively”, God so clearly reminded me, “Beloved, you are not like most people. You don’t need what most people need to get the task I’ve called you to done. I go before you and I have distinguished you. Not by [your] might or [your] power, but by the spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6)) .

God reminded my of Gideon in the book of Judges 6-7 (please go read it)!!!! He reminded me that what one person thinks they need to accomplish God given assignments something isn’t always what He wants to give us. God wants the glory to go to Him and not the accolades we can bring to the table. Sometimes our own agenda and accolades get in the way of God’s agenda. I was reminded that God distinguishes us as we walk by faith and that we are equipped best through Him alone. I’m reminded that He knows that our time and energy are precious and that when busyness gets a hold of us, something more important can often take the back seat disobediently. I’m reminded that everything I need today is already in arms reach. I’m reminded to be content with the current. I’m reminded of the goodness of God and that He will never withhold what we need from us. He is faithful.

So beloved, what is THAT thing that God has said “no” to? Do you feel frustrated without it? Do you feel behind because of it? Do you feel unqualified since God didn’t let you have it? Do you feel like God has forgotten about you? Or maybe you feel resentful to your current season as a busy working wife, or a stay at home mom? Do you feel your “dreams” and “desires” are put on hold? Maybe you feel like time is flying by and you’re not getting any younger so you feel pressed to achieve something RIGHT NOW. Maybe you feel inadequate without THAT thing and that maybe if you could have that thing you’ve been praying for that you would be complete? Maybe you’re mad at God? Whatever you are feeling in this current moment matters, but it must not move you. God is not worried about your resume. God’s desire for us is His perfect will. I want to remind you that God qualifies the unqualified and He equips the called. So you don’t have to worry that your accolades don’t add up. You don’t have to worry that you don’t have enough experience to do the job. You don’t have to worry about what you bring to the table God has set. God will distinguish you. With God, you just don’t need as much as you think you need! You have enough in Him. He multiplies EVERYTHING! Remember the 4,000 He fed?! He’s got you!

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What you’re doing in your current season matters and if God is saying “no, not right now” or just flat out “no”, trust that it’s for a really really really good reason. Trust that His “no” is necessary. Trust that God’s plan is perfect! Trust that when you do walk out in obedience without the very thing you thought you needed to do so, ONLY God will be able to get the glory in your story and not anyone or anything else. Trust God beloved. Believe me, He will blow your mind. He’s constantly blowing mine.

I want to leave you with a part of this super encouraging passage in Judges 7:2, “GOD said to Gideon, “You have too large an army with you. I can’t turn Midian over to them like this—they’ll take all the credit, saying, ‘I did it all myself,’ and forget about me.”

(The story gets even better… please go read the rest)!!!!!

God doesn’t want us to forget about His goodness in our lives, so at times He may “withhold” things in the natural so that supernaturally He can make provision for our needs and be the only one we can truly give credit to.

So beloved, what “need” do you have that God is saying “no” to?

Lets lay them down together in obedience. Trust that with God, you just don’t need what you thought you needed to get the job done. You have enough in Him and you are enough in Him. He is your greatest accolade. He is your greatest asset! He is your greatest reward.

So in the meantime, I’ll be enjoying this season of motherhood spent at home with our 15 month old, serving my hubby and our bonus boys, loving on those I’m called to, stewarding our home, using my talents and gifts as God continues to develop them and working on the things God has ask of me in this season! There is nothing greater than love motivated obedience. Lord I love you and I’m only doing that which YOU said to do NOW. Thank you for the “no, not now”. I will always aim to trust YOU.

Go with God beloved,

Xoxo, Amy Isom