Every “no” is God’s way of protecting you from something you wouldn’t actually feel anchored in.
Angel: She thinks you’re punishing her.
God: I know. She sees the closed doors, the delays, the removals, and she thinks I’m angry with her.
I’m slowing her down because she’s not ready for the speed she’s demanding.
– Jacqueline Whitney
Angel: But you’re not.
God: I’m not. I’m protecting her. I’m removing what would hurt her. I’m slowing her down because she’s not ready for the speed she’s demanding. But from where she’s standing, it feels like punishment.
Angel: How do we help her see the difference?
God: We remind her gently. Through the peace that stays even in the waiting. Through the strength she’s building that she’ll need later. Through the doors that open after the ones I closed. Eventually, she’ll look back and see that every “no” was redirecting her toward something better.
Angel: And if she’s still angry with you?
God: I can handle her anger. I’d rather have her honest fury than her polite distance. She’ll understand soon enough. And when she does, she’ll thank me.
Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.
