When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By Faith | The Just Will Live By Faith (Hab 2:4 & Rom 1:17)

When God says, "No," trust Him and walk by faith. "The just will live by faith" Is one of the most quoted commands in the Bible (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:37-38). How many times have we prayed, not gotten what we wanted, and asked, "Why not God? Why wouldn’t You want this? It seems like this is best?"

Since we don’t get to find out why the answer is no, what are we forced to do? Trust God knows what is best and walk by faith. The reason it says we must live by faith, versus simply have faith, is the Christian life is a life of faith. There aren't many more applicable times in life than when we hear no.

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00:00 Sermon Lessons for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By Faith | The Just Will Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2:4 & Romans 1:17)

04:02 (Note: lessons 1 through 4 are from Part 1)

God might say no:

Lesson 1: because we are being selfish (James 1:5 cf. James 4:1-3).

Lesson 2: because it’s not His will (John 14:13-14, 1 John 5:14).

Lesson 3: because sin has consequences (Deuteronomy 3:23-28, 2 Samuel 12:16-18).

Lesson 4: because of the other person (Jeremiah 7:15-17, 15:1, Ezekiel 14:13-16).

07:08 Lesson 5: because ____ __________ what’s best for us (2 Corinthians 11:23, 12:2-10, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 8:28).

31:54 Lesson 6: without being ____________________ (2 Samuel 7:1-7).

39:58 Lesson 7: and we __________________ ________ (1 Chronicles 29:1-5).

Family Worship Guide for When God Says, "No," Trust Him and Walk By Faith | The Just Will Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2:4 & Romans 1:17)

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Day 1: Read 2 Corinthians 11:23, 12:2-10, Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 8:28 and discuss: what effect do you think all of Paul’s suffering had on his life? Do you think you know what Paul’s thorn was? Why or why not? Why do you think God didn’t clearly tell us what it was? Why do you think God chose not to answer Paul’s pleading about the thorn? By leaving the thorn what good was accomplished in Paul’s life? What encouragement can you receive from God leaving Paul’s thorn? Is there a thorn in your life that God has removed? Is there a thorn in your life that God has not removed? Discuss both.

Day 2: Read 2 Samuel 7:1-7, James 4:3, 5:16 and discuss: why did God tell David no? Why might God tell us no? In other words, why might God not answer some of our prayers the way that we want? How can this account with David encourage us? Can you look back on some times God did not answer your prayers the way that you wanted, but in hindsight you are glad that’s the case? Can you discuss some other prayer requests that you are simply trusting God that it was better He didn’t answer the way you wanted? Can you think of some times in your life that God said no, but He was still probably pleased with you and your request?

Day 3: Read 1 Chronicles 29:1-5 and discuss: how do you think David felt when God told him that he could not build the temple? What sinful feelings do you think David might have had to resist? Can you discuss a time, or some times, when God has told you no and you were tempted to pout? What sinful temptations did you have to resist? What would a godly response, or what would godly responses, look like instead? Why did Jesus pray three times that the cup would pass from him, if he knew he would have to go to the cross?