When God says ‘no’

Unanswered prayer A difficult question An important question, for everyone ‘God on Mute’ – Pete Greig

5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:5-8 (NIV)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up Luke 18:1 (NIV)

You are not alone in Unanswered prayer: David (2 Samuel 7; 2 Samuel 12:15-18) Lamentations (Lamentations 3:8) Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Jesus (Mark 14:36)

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:12-14 (NIV)

Trusting God A bigger perspective A better plan (Heb 11:39-40; Isa 55:8-9; 1 Cor 1:23-25) A greater purpose (Rom 8:28)

‘We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be’ CS Lewis

God uses suffering for our good: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 1 Peter 1:6-7 James 1:2-4 Romans 5:3-4 1 Corinthians 12:7-10

‘I have told you these things that in me you may have peace ‘I have told you these things that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33 ‘Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.’ 1 Peter 4:12

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:32-35