When God Says "No" | Isaac Gross

This Sunday at Pillar, we’re talking about something that hits all of us at some point: the moment when God says “No.” It’s a word we rarely want to hear, but when it comes from Him, it’s never random or cruel. Sometimes His “No” is actually His way of protecting us, like when Abraham asked for Ishmael to be the heir and God gently redirected him to Isaac. Other times, it’s a redirection, just like when Paul was stopped from heading west and ended up in Macedonia instead, walking right into the purpose God had planned. There are moments when His “No” is simply making space for a better “Yes.” Jeremiah reminds us that God wants to reveal great and mighty things if we’re willing to wait. And yes, sometimes a “No” brings pain. It’s okay to grieve it. Even Peter speaks to those moments when our hope is tested. But in the middle of that disappointment, grace shows up. Paul learned that in his weakness, God’s strength was more than enough.If you’ve ever wrestled with unanswered prayers or wondered what God is doing behind the silence, this message is for you.