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TOPIC: Even God’s “No” Is For Your Good [Open Heaven for Teens 21 August 2022]
MEMORISE: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Also Read: Open Heaven 21 August 2022 – Letters To The Laodicean Church II
READ: Romans 9:16-18
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23, Psalms 119:1-176
MESSAGE:
I used to grant all my children’s requests in order to curb covetousness until I realised that as a good mother, I needed to delay the granting of some of their requests so that they could understand that life won’t always give them whatever they ask for.
The same is true with God. When a child or baby Christian asks for anything in prayers, he/she would most likely get it. This is God’s way of drawing him/her closer, but as time goes on, God may start delaying some answers to prayers to teach a vital lesson on faith and being steadfast. Sometimes, He may not grant the prayer request at all because He knows the end from the beginning. God sees the motive behind every prayer and if it doesn’t align with His purpose, He won’t give a Yes. A typical example is Paul who, according to 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, constantly prayed that God would take away a thorn in his flesh but instead, God gave him sufficient grace to manage it. Another example is Moses who wanted to dodge his divine assignment on the grounds of his stammering. God gave him a helper in Aaron (Exodus 4:10-14). God may not always grant all your requests.
KEY POINT:
God may not always say “Yes” but His “No” is also in your favour.
HYMN: ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
CHORUS
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more!
Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.