When God Says, "No"

Reading the events of Scripture and experiencing them are two different animals. My father and family can empathize with Mary and Martha when they lost Lazarus. We echoed their words in prayers to Jesus when they said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (Jn. 11:32)

At this writing, my Mom recently passed away. The sudden-ness of her leaving was just like the sting spoken of in Scripture that Death possesses. This sting haunts all those that have lost loved ones.

The family had three churches, not three individuals, and a host of people on social media - praying and petitioning God for a miracle recovery. God said, "No". This answer almost stung more than death's sting. However, there was no doubt of the answer because every direction we turned - mentally, physically and spiritually for Mom - God was saying, "No". Mom's appointed time to be with The Lord had come on October 6, 2025 at 2:07 p.m.

But God's "No's" not only have a silver lining, they have an eternal golden lining as well. Jesus replied to Martha upon arriving and hearing her anguish - "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, will live, even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (Jn. 11:25)

Ever since Jesus spoke these words, every true believer places their faith and hope in them - including my Mom. Therefore, according to The Word of God in flesh - Christ Jesus - my mother is still living. Her essence was masquerading in the shell we call the body. Now she is with the Lord and in Paradise. Again according to Christ's own words to the thief while on the cross, Jesus said - "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Lk. 23:43) As for "the rest of mankind", 1 Thessalonians 4:13 blatantly states they "have no hope".

Life becomes more challenging and extremely different without my Mom in it. Like I mentioned before, these types of experiences are easier to read about in Scripture than walk through. But many of these Biblical events are documented to show believers - (1) we are not alone in our struggles and (2) what to do next - eagerly and patiently await His return as you "turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace"; even - When God Says, "No". 

Big Words, Simple Truth

 

Jesus said, "Do to others, what you would have done to yourself." (Matthew 7:12)

If I may be so bold as to add some words for emphasis that are already implied - first and before having. So, Christ's instruction would read,

"Do to others [first], [before having] what you would have done to yourself."

I call this Unconditional Considerate Initiative. The phrase means to take the first step for a person or in a situation in being considerate without seeking reward or payment of any kind. 

As an example, many people look at chivalry as a Southern behavior, locked into a geographical area of the United States. This is a behavior that contains more than opening doors for ladies that should transcend not only the South, but the nation. Then it needs to be triggered by those who love to love on others.

The first thought in these kind of people would be - "I'm going to help this person out with..." or "I'm going to make this situation better by..." right at the outset of the challenge or issue, if the resources are available or can be attained. When observing a person in need or challenging situation, try to place yourself in their shoes and ask - what might I need? Then try to supply that need for them first or at least quickly.

All this effort is for the joy and peace that you know the resolution will bring to the people and/or situation. Unconditional Considerate Initiative - just some serious consideration, on a daily basis, that makes it into your lifestyle to make life better for others. Big Words, Simple Truth.