Two summers ago, I had an idea to start a furniture painting business. It seemed like a natural fit as I had already been painting furniture for several years as a hobby. After praying about it, I sensed the Lord saying, “Not now.”
Even still, I invested countless hours of research and began acquiring and painting unique pieces. But, every time I prayed about it, I felt the same pause in my spirit.
One morning, I woke up and got tired of waiting. I thought to myself, why don’t I just do a soft launch? I quickly justified my decision as I considered the inventory in our garage waiting to be sold.
Drowning out the Spirit’s voice with my busyness, I made a Facebook page, took pictures of my pretty furniture, and announced to all of my friends and family that I was now open for business.
The very next night, our oldest son was killed in a car accident. You see, all along, God knew what was coming. It was in his infinite wisdom and kindness, that he said, “No child, this is not the time.”
Psalm 32:8-9 (ESV) says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule without understanding, which must be curbed with a bit and bridle, or it will not say near you.”
While I was acting like a stubborn mule, the Lord was meeting me with his loving kindness and faithfully instructing me with his wisdom. His patience and mercy astound me.
Dear sisters, although it may not seem like it at the time, God is for us. When God says ‘no’, it is always for our good.
