Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

Thank God for "No's"!

I think we are all sales people at times in our lives. We learn at an early age how to "spin" the truth so that others will "buy" what we are selling. I have found one major drawback to this though: when I get what I think I want under false pretense, I find that it is usually not what I bargained for.

I saw this recently with my daughter. She desperately wanted a horse. After the typical begging stage she went on to "sell" us on how responsible and dutiful she could be. She made a great argument; I was impressed! We made the decision to get a couple horses for Christmas 2 years ago. Over time, though, it has become increasingly difficult to get her to keep up on the associated chores. We finally talked about it and she admitted it was a LOT more work than she anticipated and wasn't so sure it was a good idea anymore. She had bit off more than she could chew.

In reality, this happens to most of us. We often see something on the outside and convince ourselves we want on the inside, and then go to work on convincing God or others that we really need it, even under false pretenses. When those who know us well, especially God, say "no", we beg and attempt to convince them that we are up to the task and even deserve it!

Sometimes "no's" are for the best. When we persist and even make things happen for ourselves, we often find ourselves in situations that we then need to be rescued from! Let's learn to go to the Bible and great teachers who can help us discern what God is saying to us. When we know Him (God) better we will find direction for our lives even when the answer is "No".

Lisa Lloyd is an inventor and entrepreneur (www.IcanInvent.com) who is known for her invention success nationally. More importantly, she is also a bible teacher and founder of Lady Leaders, a national organization for Christian working-women (www.LadyLeaders.org). Her rags-to-riches story has been her God given platform for sharing the practical lessons God has taught her with others. She lives in Tucson with her Husband and 3 children.