Why didn’t she like me? I just couldn’t understand. It seemed like she liked everyone else, but when we talked it was like we were on two different planets. I worried that I was doing something wrong. I analyzed myself trying to figure out if I was the problem. I even invited her out for a girls night of decadent desserts (which she declined). Who does that? I mean even if you don’t like me who turns down dessert? Finally, I just gave up. Tired of trying, I decided I just needed to move on. She didn’t like me—what could I do?? It was years later that I found out the truth. The problem wasn’t me or something I was doing wrong. The truth that only time could tell was that God wouldn’t allow that relationship to flourish because He was protecting me. He saw what I did not and He wouldn’t allow our paths to connect no matter how hard I tried or how much I squawked. (Because trust me, He heard a lot of complaining about why we couldn’t be friends.) Even though it’s been quite some time since this incident happened, I was thinking about it recently as I've been pondering the role that God plays in ordering the steps of His children. I’ve been reading Scriptures like:
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16) And For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
I’ve come to believe that we would have so much peace on our lives if we could really trust two truths: 1. God has a plan for our lives. 2. God wants the best for us. Through years of walking with Jesus I’m learning to trust Him and His “No’s”. I’m discovering that His ways are best even if I can’t see it in the moment. So just a quick reminder: If You feel like there is a door in your life that just won’t open no matter how hard you try—whether it be a job, a friendship, or a ministry—don’t resemble a 3-year-old pitching a fit because they don’t get their own way. Instead, go with it. Pray about it and trust God to know what is best for you. Really, commit your way to God and trust Him to do what is best for you. (Psalm 37:1-6) Remember that sometimes the kindness answer God can give us “No”. Trust Him to guide your steps and move toward the doors He is opening for you.
