← Back to Sermon Sunday

Day 1: When God Says No

God Is With Us In Our Weakness · God Is With Us · February 21, 2026

Scripture
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. — 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:7-8

Paul pleaded three times. This was not a casual request. He begged God to remove the thorn. And God said no. We do not like that answer. We serve a God who could remove every problem with a word. Sometimes He does. Sometimes He does not. But His no is not rejection. It is redirection. He said no to removal so He could say yes to something deeper — His grace. If God has said no to a prayer you have prayed, ask Him what He is saying yes to instead.

Prayer

Lord, when You say no to my requests, help me trust that You are saying yes to something better. Teach me to receive Your grace.

Day 1 of 7
Call us — (805) 232-3380
Lighthouse 805

Lighthouse 805

Usually responds within a day

Thanks! We'll get back to you soon.