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When God Says No
No is not a four-letter word, but it certainly feels like one. It’s one thing to feel God’s love when life goes your way, but what happens to your faith when life doesn’t go as you had planned? When prayers go unanswered and dreams unfulfilled? When the sick stay sick and the dead do not rise? When you’re lost in the desert and the Promised Land seems like empty promise? When God says, “No,” how do you grapple with disappointment? Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson walks alongside readers as she tackles the difficulties that stymie our faith, stifle our prayers, and stunt our relationship with God. When God Says, “No” will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This book is a fantastic reminder of Who is in charge—Who He is and how He works. How He loves us and why He limits us. The better we know Him, the more we understand that He says “No” to a few things, so He might say “Yes” to many more.
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2021
39 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
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April 27, 2021
How are you dealing with disappointments? With God's "No"?
Author of multiple books Elizabeth Laing Thompson presents her third book that starts with the title "When God Says ...". It is entitled "When God Says "No". Facing Disappointment and Denial without Losing Heart, Losing Hope, or Losing Your Head" and was published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. The book contains eleven chapters, e.g., "When God Says, "No"", "When You Need to Embrace Vulnerability", or "When You Don't Get Your Dream" that are introduced by vignettes of an event in the life of a biblical character. She presents in chapter 1 who God is, which is highly important when we struggle with the fact that God said "No". I also appreciated her statement about humble people in chapter 4: "Humble people make passionate, repeated pleas, but they still show respect for God’s wisdom and ways. Respectful people acknowledge that God knows things we do not and that He has the right to say no. Reverent people find a way to accept the fact that, even though not knowing can be difficult and confusing, we may never understand all the reasons behind God’s answers" (p. 84) which can be a challenge to the readers as it is to me.
Elizabeth's goal is that the readers answer the following questions which she states in her video about the book: "Can we negotiate with God when we don't like the answer he is giving us? What are we allowed to say? How are we allowed to pray? Abraham bargained God down, ... What about the No when it is really a firm No?" She draws examples from the Bible, her personal life and family in order to help readers to deal with disappointments. In order to help readers to get more engaged with the text she included a section entitled "More To Know" at the end of each chapter with three parts: 1) For Further Study, 2) Prayer Prompt, and 3) Journaling Prompt". The book also contains some footnotes which can used for reference or for digging deeper. I highly recommend this book to Christ-followers who struggle with God's "No"s in their lives as well as for others who are at their side.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#WhenGodSaysNo #WhenGodSaysNoBook #NetGalley
Author of multiple books Elizabeth Laing Thompson presents her third book that starts with the title "When God Says ...". It is entitled "When God Says "No". Facing Disappointment and Denial without Losing Heart, Losing Hope, or Losing Your Head" and was published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. The book contains eleven chapters, e.g., "When God Says, "No"", "When You Need to Embrace Vulnerability", or "When You Don't Get Your Dream" that are introduced by vignettes of an event in the life of a biblical character. She presents in chapter 1 who God is, which is highly important when we struggle with the fact that God said "No". I also appreciated her statement about humble people in chapter 4: "Humble people make passionate, repeated pleas, but they still show respect for God’s wisdom and ways. Respectful people acknowledge that God knows things we do not and that He has the right to say no. Reverent people find a way to accept the fact that, even though not knowing can be difficult and confusing, we may never understand all the reasons behind God’s answers" (p. 84) which can be a challenge to the readers as it is to me.
Elizabeth's goal is that the readers answer the following questions which she states in her video about the book: "Can we negotiate with God when we don't like the answer he is giving us? What are we allowed to say? How are we allowed to pray? Abraham bargained God down, ... What about the No when it is really a firm No?" She draws examples from the Bible, her personal life and family in order to help readers to deal with disappointments. In order to help readers to get more engaged with the text she included a section entitled "More To Know" at the end of each chapter with three parts: 1) For Further Study, 2) Prayer Prompt, and 3) Journaling Prompt". The book also contains some footnotes which can used for reference or for digging deeper. I highly recommend this book to Christ-followers who struggle with God's "No"s in their lives as well as for others who are at their side.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#WhenGodSaysNo #WhenGodSaysNoBook #NetGalley
May 1, 2021
When God Says No, is the third book written by Elizabeth Laing Thompson in a series of novels about God’s responses to us - Wait, Go and No. Each book can be read individually but do have similar structure, overlapping stories and connection, for example in When God Says Wait the book begins with the story of Miriam and this story concludes in When God Says No.
In a conversational manner Elizabeth invites you in to discuss a sensitive and difficult topic - “no”; when we don’t get the green light, when the door doesn’t open, when our prayers feel unheard and when our expectations are not met. Instead of wallowing, turning from God or blaming everything and everyone - Elizabeth provides Bibical insight, personal testimony and reflection questions for readers to use to get to the other side of no. Elizabeth doesn’t dismiss the pain “no’s” cause, and doesn’t pretend to understand the impact “no” has on each individual but she reminds us to remember who God, His deep love for us and how much we are each seen and known by Him.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful vignette of a Bibical character who was told “no”. Each story has some interpretation by Elizabeth but is presented in such a way that the tale comes to life revealing a different perspective to see the “no” situation in and how to think differently about God’s role in it.
When God Says No will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This is a book for everyone, because we’ve all been told “no” at some point in our life.
In a conversational manner Elizabeth invites you in to discuss a sensitive and difficult topic - “no”; when we don’t get the green light, when the door doesn’t open, when our prayers feel unheard and when our expectations are not met. Instead of wallowing, turning from God or blaming everything and everyone - Elizabeth provides Bibical insight, personal testimony and reflection questions for readers to use to get to the other side of no. Elizabeth doesn’t dismiss the pain “no’s” cause, and doesn’t pretend to understand the impact “no” has on each individual but she reminds us to remember who God, His deep love for us and how much we are each seen and known by Him.
Each chapter begins with a beautiful vignette of a Bibical character who was told “no”. Each story has some interpretation by Elizabeth but is presented in such a way that the tale comes to life revealing a different perspective to see the “no” situation in and how to think differently about God’s role in it.
When God Says No will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This is a book for everyone, because we’ve all been told “no” at some point in our life.
April 27, 2021
I feel like I need to tell you a little bit about me to give a preface to how I approach reading books.
I love to read books cover to cover, about the author, their preface, intro, etc. Some books I greatly enjoy and read once but keep just to have on my bookshelf, some I need to revisit as I continue to grow, and some take me a while as I need to process things deeply. I like to read a book in its entirety before recommending to someone or giving it to someone. I'm also a pretty serious person, not a jokey-joke type person, so I put God in a box of being the same way, and I have to work very hard to think of Him outside that box! I have read a few of the author's other novels and found them helpful. One of her taglines on her website states "holiness with a side of humor," which I was reluctant about but gave it a shot.
With all that being said, I will be re-reading When God Says No at many junctions in my life. I will be telling everyone to read it, right along with their Bible, as it really is relevant to anyone who follows God to have in their resources.
I like the author's woven tapestry - she weaves in her personal stories with Biblical scriptures, including her take on some occurrences of famous Bible characters such as Paul and Naaman. I like that she shows how she sees God as well as some of my personal Bible heroes as lighthearted. It's good to push my limits. I also like how conversational it reads - as if I'm sitting right next to the author in the coffee shop or on her couch.
My favorite chapter has to be chapter 3 - I wear my heart on my sleeve, but never thought that there are people who have challenges with being vulnerable. This chapter was so refreshing in that sense of comforting all of us who have to ask from help from others and feel a temporary lack of independence during some tough transitions.
I love to read books cover to cover, about the author, their preface, intro, etc. Some books I greatly enjoy and read once but keep just to have on my bookshelf, some I need to revisit as I continue to grow, and some take me a while as I need to process things deeply. I like to read a book in its entirety before recommending to someone or giving it to someone. I'm also a pretty serious person, not a jokey-joke type person, so I put God in a box of being the same way, and I have to work very hard to think of Him outside that box! I have read a few of the author's other novels and found them helpful. One of her taglines on her website states "holiness with a side of humor," which I was reluctant about but gave it a shot.
With all that being said, I will be re-reading When God Says No at many junctions in my life. I will be telling everyone to read it, right along with their Bible, as it really is relevant to anyone who follows God to have in their resources.
I like the author's woven tapestry - she weaves in her personal stories with Biblical scriptures, including her take on some occurrences of famous Bible characters such as Paul and Naaman. I like that she shows how she sees God as well as some of my personal Bible heroes as lighthearted. It's good to push my limits. I also like how conversational it reads - as if I'm sitting right next to the author in the coffee shop or on her couch.
My favorite chapter has to be chapter 3 - I wear my heart on my sleeve, but never thought that there are people who have challenges with being vulnerable. This chapter was so refreshing in that sense of comforting all of us who have to ask from help from others and feel a temporary lack of independence during some tough transitions.
April 29, 2021
Reading this book was like sitting down with a good friend for a heart-to-heart over coffee. The author has a way of taking familiar bible stories and characters and bringing them to life. This helps me see my story in their story. The book is an easy read, but each chapter has pearls of wisdom which have changed my perspective about how I thought about God and how God thinks about me during my seasons of "no".
I had so many "aha" moments while reading this book. There have been times that I have misunderstood the heart of God. He is not angry or punishing me. God's heart breaks for me and with me when I am hurting. Also, when I can't rejoice in life, I can still rejoice in who God is and how much He loves me.
Elizabeth Laing Thompson writes as one who has walked this road, grappled with all the feelings and hard questions and came out on the other side closer to God. The personal stories shared throughout the book helped me see that there is hope on the other side of "no". God is still working and my story isn't over.
This book was an encouragement to me. If you or someone you know is going through a season of "no" pick up a copy... reading it will encourage your soul.
I had so many "aha" moments while reading this book. There have been times that I have misunderstood the heart of God. He is not angry or punishing me. God's heart breaks for me and with me when I am hurting. Also, when I can't rejoice in life, I can still rejoice in who God is and how much He loves me.
Elizabeth Laing Thompson writes as one who has walked this road, grappled with all the feelings and hard questions and came out on the other side closer to God. The personal stories shared throughout the book helped me see that there is hope on the other side of "no". God is still working and my story isn't over.
This book was an encouragement to me. If you or someone you know is going through a season of "no" pick up a copy... reading it will encourage your soul.
May 1, 2021
Reading this book has encouraged me so much while facing some big “no”s in my life right now!
Elizabeth Laing Thompson shares from her heart and from her faith in this book about how to think about and how to respond in an honest, yet godly way to the “no”s from God. I was encouraged to see how some of my heroes of the Bible responded to God’s no’s, to read encouraging scriptures and to read the present-day stories of women and men who’ve faced the no’s or not yet’s from God. This is a book I’d recommend to anybody who has or is wrestling with not understanding why their prayers are being answered with a “no”, struggling to keep their faith in God’s promises when they’re not getting the answer they want.
Disclaimer: The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Elizabeth Laing Thompson shares from her heart and from her faith in this book about how to think about and how to respond in an honest, yet godly way to the “no”s from God. I was encouraged to see how some of my heroes of the Bible responded to God’s no’s, to read encouraging scriptures and to read the present-day stories of women and men who’ve faced the no’s or not yet’s from God. This is a book I’d recommend to anybody who has or is wrestling with not understanding why their prayers are being answered with a “no”, struggling to keep their faith in God’s promises when they’re not getting the answer they want.
Disclaimer: The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 30, 2021
Never did I expect to be inspired by a book telling me about God saying no (who likes to hear no?) but this one has done it so beautifully. I love the way the author validates the pain of challenges and disappointments alongside highlighting the deep love of God in a way that makes the reader feel seen and known. One of my favorite aspects of the “When God Says” series are the vignettes at the start of each chapter that bring a biblical character to life in the most relatable and thought-provoking way. There were so many “aha” moments during my read that helped me appreciate God’s heart in a deeper way, and will surely impact my personal walk with him, my parenting, and my ministry to others. Don’t be afraid of the no, it’s not a four letter word after all!
April 24, 2021
Elizabeth Laing Thompson has easily become my favorite Christian author. In her newest book, "When God says no" It shows God as such a personal, loving God in the midst of brokenness, disappointment, hardships and crushing grief. Her incredible biblical narratives make Bible characters come to life for me, and helps me relate to them like never before. This book is filled with personal stories, examples and illustrations that make it a very enjoyable read. It also helps me remember all the things I'm learning and growing in through her books. I have highlighted so many portions that relate to my life, and as I wrestle through some hard "no's" in life, this book has brought so much peace and comfort to my life. I would highly recommend it!
April 19, 2021
This book will likely resonate with many readers, as everyone has encountered times when God has said "no." The author shares personal stories of how she's handled situations in her own life. She uses them to remind the reader that God is still righteous, fair, kind, and in control. She also weaves in biblical stories (related to Moses, Eve, Naaman, Abraham, Paul, David, Naomi, Cain, David, Jesus, and Miriam).
Each chapter includes items for further study, a prayer prompt, and journal prompts.
Overall, the book is a good reminder that we're not alone and that God isn't finished with us yet.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Each chapter includes items for further study, a prayer prompt, and journal prompts.
Overall, the book is a good reminder that we're not alone and that God isn't finished with us yet.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
May 2, 2021
This book takes a vignette from a Bible story and brings an application to our lives today (disappointment, bitterness, etc). The chapter with the application ends with a prayer and journal prompt.
One takeaway that I enjoyed from this book is that I often remember the heroes of faith for their walk with God but do not always remember that they were also told no by God. I think of Moses and his walk with God and then he was told that he could not entered the Promised Land.
A verse that I always enjoy in Scripture is "My power is made complete in weakness". The author reminded me that everyone always wants the miracle but they often do not want the crisis that precedes it.
This book gave me many things to think about and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
One takeaway that I enjoyed from this book is that I often remember the heroes of faith for their walk with God but do not always remember that they were also told no by God. I think of Moses and his walk with God and then he was told that he could not entered the Promised Land.
A verse that I always enjoy in Scripture is "My power is made complete in weakness". The author reminded me that everyone always wants the miracle but they often do not want the crisis that precedes it.
This book gave me many things to think about and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
May 1, 2021
Wow...just wow. I feel like I've been in an extended season of hearing NO, NO, NO - no matter how I tried to manipulate or bargain, and it was so helpful to get a broader (and spiritual) perspective on the many things that one little word can mean. Everyone hears NO sometimes - and like so many things in life, it's not the NO, but what you do with it that matters. Easy to read and understand, it's like sitting over coffee with a wise friend. Grab a cup and this book, and be prepared to handle your next (or current) NO with more grace and fortitude.
April 29, 2021
Somehow Elizabeth Laing was yet again able to write a Christian book that made me laugh, cry, and look at scriptures in the bible in a new light, even scriptures I have read hundreds of times! In each chapter she paints a beautiful picture of people in the bible who have been told “No” with a vision we can understand in modern age. I extremely love that at the end of each chapter there is a self reflection, because a good Christian author doesn’t just share their experience and inspiration but question the readers and challenge their faith further. I completely recommend this book whether you’ve had times of small or big ‘no’s’ you will not be disappointed!
April 30, 2021
The author shares so vulnerably with lots of faith and perspective that is so needed when facing the “no’s” of life. I felt very seen (in a good way) throughout this book as I am navigating a painful season of life. Elizabeth felt like my personal life coach, therapist and best friend as I read through this book.
April 16, 2021
Elizabeth writes in such a beautiful, heartsy, and easy to understand way. Wrestling with God’s “no” is so challenging and can be such a difficult concept to navigate. But the way Elizabeth describes scripture and spiritual truths is so helpful for my heart. “No” is still not a fun thing to hear, but I see it as an opportunity to dig deeper with God and love and be loved by him through the “no.”
April 16, 2021
“When God Says ‘No’” was such a timely read for me! I enjoyed Elizabeth's style of writing, how she brought Bible stories to life while speaking courage to my soul. Real life examples helped me remember that I'm not alone, and that God is still writing my story. In my current season of navigating a "no", this book was both encouraging and refreshing. I highly recommend it!
April 16, 2021
I’m loving reading this book. The author is so relatable and I feel like we’re sitting together recounting God’s faithfulness. I am facing a big no in my life right now, and the author has just the right words to help me remember that God has my future in His hands.
April 14, 2021
I can’t imagine how difficult it was to write about times when God says “no.” Somehow, she was able to make it so encouraging! We’ve been walking through a difficult season of “no” personally, and this book has been so helpful! I completely recommend it!
April 15, 2021
I'm personally going through a time when God says "no" and it's been hard. This book was awesome to give me different perspective and helping me through this rough season. I definitely would recommend this book!
April 22, 2021
This has made my heart break in a way that it made me appreciate God more. The author has a way of explaining Bible stories in such a way that I can easily relate to my life. Her story as well as a few others she included in the book are also amazingly written to encourage me and other readers that God's "No" has something good for our hearts, for our souls. I recommend it to people who are losing this life's meaning because of too much chaos, which makes this book so timely during this pandemic. It did a great job to me, I hope it does to other readers too!
February 10, 2025
It’s a book no one wants to read but is a good book when you get nos in life that you can’t simply brush off. Laing says we should have hope in one hand and submission in the other like many do in the Bible. My tendency is to do one or the other, hope or give up, but God wants all of you even when you’re mad and prayer and reading feel like a chore rather than a gift. Trusting God with your hearts desire isn’t easy, hoping in a future you cannot see is difficult but God wants you to build where you’re at
April 26, 2021
I love the authors writing style. Everything comes to life; the joy, the sorrow and God's unending mercy and love. Her perspective helped me see so many different ways to view "No" and helps me to not limit what God can do. To trust and know that He will be there for me through it all; the good and the bad, to cry and laugh with me and strengthen me when I am falling apart. This book has helped me to see all the wonderful things God has given and has planned for us. I recommend this book to anyone who feels that God is saying "No".
May 5, 2021
This compassionate new book by Elizabeth Laing Thompson is an excellent scripture-based resource for enduring the hard times when we do not understand how the Lord could say no. No to healing chronic illness, no to preventing the death of a loved one, no to getting a new job, no to having a child, or any other need or dream. This will be a new go-to guide for me, as there have been times this book would have been very helpful in my walk with the Lord. This is the kind of book that one might purchase extra copies of, one for their own shelf and additional copies to gift.
The author writes with empathy for all situations. She shares her own experiences as well as those of others with grace, dignity, and honesty. Appropriate scripture is referenced throughout and is comforting and encouraging. Woven throughout is God’s unconditional love, with a special emphasis in one chapter. Others that I found that hit home through personal circumstances are the need for surrender, when a hard situation is not removed, and when a hard situation is a consequence of my sin.
Preceding each chapter is a story of a person in scripture who could be associated with the topic of the chapter. These include Moses, Miriam, Naomi, Paul, and Jesus. The meat of the chapter includes more detailed information about that person and how they handled their situation. Some include a brief experience of the author or friend of the author and how it affected them, a scripture reading to learn more about the Bible person or their situation, a prayer prompt, also from scripture, and questions that can assist in journaling if the reader chooses.
The author shows the reality of life in a broken world and real-life, biblical solutions. She expresses care for each reader even as she points to the Lord, the One who is intimately involved with our situations, and encourages having a close friend or prayer partner. It can be read and understood by many who are grieving. She discusses anger, denial, and open communication with God, and shows that we can still worship and praise God for our blessings. If I could suggest anything, it might be truths of how one can believe in the Lord as our loving heavenly Father for those whose earthly father was absent or abusive.
My favorite sections are the one emphasizing the God’s unconditional love and the one showing what surrender is through the person of Jesus Christ. My heart soared at the author’s words, “Gethsemane is the reason I am in love with Jesus. . . the reason I worship Him. And the reason I finally trust Him enough to say, though the saying is hard, “Your will be done.”” I highly recommend this to anyone who is working through the Lord saying No to their hard situation, as well as Christian counselors, pastors, lay people, and friends of the hurting. If the hurting person is unable to read at this time, carry these gentle messages to them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.
The author writes with empathy for all situations. She shares her own experiences as well as those of others with grace, dignity, and honesty. Appropriate scripture is referenced throughout and is comforting and encouraging. Woven throughout is God’s unconditional love, with a special emphasis in one chapter. Others that I found that hit home through personal circumstances are the need for surrender, when a hard situation is not removed, and when a hard situation is a consequence of my sin.
Preceding each chapter is a story of a person in scripture who could be associated with the topic of the chapter. These include Moses, Miriam, Naomi, Paul, and Jesus. The meat of the chapter includes more detailed information about that person and how they handled their situation. Some include a brief experience of the author or friend of the author and how it affected them, a scripture reading to learn more about the Bible person or their situation, a prayer prompt, also from scripture, and questions that can assist in journaling if the reader chooses.
The author shows the reality of life in a broken world and real-life, biblical solutions. She expresses care for each reader even as she points to the Lord, the One who is intimately involved with our situations, and encourages having a close friend or prayer partner. It can be read and understood by many who are grieving. She discusses anger, denial, and open communication with God, and shows that we can still worship and praise God for our blessings. If I could suggest anything, it might be truths of how one can believe in the Lord as our loving heavenly Father for those whose earthly father was absent or abusive.
My favorite sections are the one emphasizing the God’s unconditional love and the one showing what surrender is through the person of Jesus Christ. My heart soared at the author’s words, “Gethsemane is the reason I am in love with Jesus. . . the reason I worship Him. And the reason I finally trust Him enough to say, though the saying is hard, “Your will be done.”” I highly recommend this to anyone who is working through the Lord saying No to their hard situation, as well as Christian counselors, pastors, lay people, and friends of the hurting. If the hurting person is unable to read at this time, carry these gentle messages to them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.
April 17, 2021
This book has the ingredients for prayer.
This book is crafted for a person learning how to pray for the first time and for a person seeking to continue to grow in the Lord. It serves as a refresher and reminder of how we ought to pray and our reaction when God says 'No'. It reminds us about the men and women of faith in the bible how they prayed in humility, respect and reverence.
This book is crafted for a person learning how to pray for the first time and for a person seeking to continue to grow in the Lord. It serves as a refresher and reminder of how we ought to pray and our reaction when God says 'No'. It reminds us about the men and women of faith in the bible how they prayed in humility, respect and reverence.
August 7, 2022
Yes, I’ve finished this book ( listening on audio). It’s not due at the library yet so I’ve started listening all over again. The author reads the book so it’s like making a new friend which is always nice.
May 2, 2021
When God Says "No" by Elizabeth Laing Thompson
Facing Disappointment and Denial without Losing Heart, Losing Hope, or Losing Your Head
No is not a four-letter word, but it certainly feels like one.
It’s one thing to feel God’s love when life goes your way, but what happens to your faith when life doesn’t go as you had planned?
When prayers go unanswered and dreams unfulfilled?
When the sick stay sick and the dead do not rise?
When you’re lost in the desert and the Promised Land seems like empty promise?
When God says, “No,” how do you grapple with disappointment?
Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson walks alongside readers as she tackles the difficulties that stymie our faith, stifle our prayers, and stunt our relationship with God. When God Says, “No” will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This book is a fantastic reminder of Who is in charge—Who He is and how He works. How He loves us and why He limits us. The better we know Him, the more we understand that He says “No” to a few things, so He might say “Yes” to many more.
Moses
The Climb
Based on Deuteronomy 34
The voice comes to Moses as an old friend—the Friend that Moses has walked beside all these forty long years in the desert: “It’s time.”
Moses has known this word was coming. In preparation, he has commissioned Joshua, renewed the covenant, blessed the tribes, and taught them God’s song—but still, it steals his breath. For a moment, he sits with the Lord in the Tent of Meeting, his own face unveiled, picturing all the faces he will miss—so many beloved, so many goodbyes.
He nods and rises. “I’ll leave in the morning.” Pulling his veil into place, he leaves the Tent of Meeting and goes back to sleep in his own tent for the last time.
1.When God Says "No" and more.
When God Says "No"by Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
I am looking forward to reading more books by Elizabeth Laing Thompson.
Facing Disappointment and Denial without Losing Heart, Losing Hope, or Losing Your Head
No is not a four-letter word, but it certainly feels like one.
It’s one thing to feel God’s love when life goes your way, but what happens to your faith when life doesn’t go as you had planned?
When prayers go unanswered and dreams unfulfilled?
When the sick stay sick and the dead do not rise?
When you’re lost in the desert and the Promised Land seems like empty promise?
When God says, “No,” how do you grapple with disappointment?
Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson walks alongside readers as she tackles the difficulties that stymie our faith, stifle our prayers, and stunt our relationship with God. When God Says, “No” will help you to discover hope when life feels hopeless, good in what feels bad, and new dreams when old ones have died. This book is a fantastic reminder of Who is in charge—Who He is and how He works. How He loves us and why He limits us. The better we know Him, the more we understand that He says “No” to a few things, so He might say “Yes” to many more.
Moses
The Climb
Based on Deuteronomy 34
The voice comes to Moses as an old friend—the Friend that Moses has walked beside all these forty long years in the desert: “It’s time.”
Moses has known this word was coming. In preparation, he has commissioned Joshua, renewed the covenant, blessed the tribes, and taught them God’s song—but still, it steals his breath. For a moment, he sits with the Lord in the Tent of Meeting, his own face unveiled, picturing all the faces he will miss—so many beloved, so many goodbyes.
He nods and rises. “I’ll leave in the morning.” Pulling his veil into place, he leaves the Tent of Meeting and goes back to sleep in his own tent for the last time.
1.When God Says "No" and more.
When God Says "No"by Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
I am looking forward to reading more books by Elizabeth Laing Thompson.
December 27, 2021
I will recommend this book to everyone!! I'm buying it for a loved one, too. So many good ideas and quotes, but the chapter about Jesus in Gethsemane is worth the entire book!! It gave me chills and tears at the same time!
In the beginning, the interesting format struck me as a bit odd. The first thing that struck me was that the margins were small. The text was a nice size, but the margins made me feel a bit anxious. However, the other interesting formatting decision was that each chapter had a Biblical fiction prelude from the perspective of different Bible characters before the nonfiction chapter. It was unusual, and switching back and forth from fiction to nonfiction did take some of my brainpower, but the combination of creative fiction and poetic nonfiction really worked.
I found so many great nuggets, so many good quotes, so many things that helped me or changed my perspective! I flagged at least 26 pages, so there is no way I can share all the quotes that struck me.
However, I really feel that it would have been better organized if the author had focused on just one Biblical character and dived deep into that one aspect. Maybe she could have brought other characters to help illustrate in the nonfiction without going into their perspective each time, but I feel like there was so much packed into most of the nonfiction chapters that they were quite long and a bit hard to digest.
I did appreciate the journaling prompts at the end of each nonfiction chapter.
And all in all, this is one I will be re-reading and recommending over and over!
Favorite quotes: (there are just too many – here are a few)
“'Taste and see that the LORD is good' (Psalm 34:8). Let the words melt on your tongue like a piece of chocolate till your spiritual taste buds start firing..” (p. 25)
“Even if He has a happy ending planned for later, He hurts with us today … That's a God I can lean on even when He doesn't give me what I ask.” (p. 46)
“...being needy for a time is not wrong. Being needy for a season is not burdensome. We all have times when we need.” (p. 67)
“Our feelings do not always equal truth.” (p. 121)
“Sometimes God's kindnesses are small things, but the small things can mean the most because they show His attention to detail.” (p. 143) And to me, who is a details girl, it's like loving me in my own language. <3
“No one wants to have a Gethsemane prayer, but when God says no, we all need one. It will be the gateway to peace, trust, and, one day, healing.” (p. 191)
“In a sense, God's answer to Jesus was, 'No, there is no other way for humanity to be saved. You are the way. If You want to save them, You cannot escape the cross. However, if You choose not to save them … Your will be done.'” (p. 192) Just chills!!
“Surrender means being grateful for what we do have now, even as we pray for what we don't have yet.” (p. 196)
“He will surprise you, even amaze you, with your own version of happily ever after—maybe not 'happy all day long every day,' as 'happily ever after' seems to imply, but 'far happier than you thought you could be.' Joyful again. Hopeful again. Dreaming again.” (p. 217)
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
In the beginning, the interesting format struck me as a bit odd. The first thing that struck me was that the margins were small. The text was a nice size, but the margins made me feel a bit anxious. However, the other interesting formatting decision was that each chapter had a Biblical fiction prelude from the perspective of different Bible characters before the nonfiction chapter. It was unusual, and switching back and forth from fiction to nonfiction did take some of my brainpower, but the combination of creative fiction and poetic nonfiction really worked.
I found so many great nuggets, so many good quotes, so many things that helped me or changed my perspective! I flagged at least 26 pages, so there is no way I can share all the quotes that struck me.
However, I really feel that it would have been better organized if the author had focused on just one Biblical character and dived deep into that one aspect. Maybe she could have brought other characters to help illustrate in the nonfiction without going into their perspective each time, but I feel like there was so much packed into most of the nonfiction chapters that they were quite long and a bit hard to digest.
I did appreciate the journaling prompts at the end of each nonfiction chapter.
And all in all, this is one I will be re-reading and recommending over and over!
Favorite quotes: (there are just too many – here are a few)
“'Taste and see that the LORD is good' (Psalm 34:8). Let the words melt on your tongue like a piece of chocolate till your spiritual taste buds start firing..” (p. 25)
“Even if He has a happy ending planned for later, He hurts with us today … That's a God I can lean on even when He doesn't give me what I ask.” (p. 46)
“...being needy for a time is not wrong. Being needy for a season is not burdensome. We all have times when we need.” (p. 67)
“Our feelings do not always equal truth.” (p. 121)
“Sometimes God's kindnesses are small things, but the small things can mean the most because they show His attention to detail.” (p. 143) And to me, who is a details girl, it's like loving me in my own language. <3
“No one wants to have a Gethsemane prayer, but when God says no, we all need one. It will be the gateway to peace, trust, and, one day, healing.” (p. 191)
“In a sense, God's answer to Jesus was, 'No, there is no other way for humanity to be saved. You are the way. If You want to save them, You cannot escape the cross. However, if You choose not to save them … Your will be done.'” (p. 192) Just chills!!
“Surrender means being grateful for what we do have now, even as we pray for what we don't have yet.” (p. 196)
“He will surprise you, even amaze you, with your own version of happily ever after—maybe not 'happy all day long every day,' as 'happily ever after' seems to imply, but 'far happier than you thought you could be.' Joyful again. Hopeful again. Dreaming again.” (p. 217)
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
September 1, 2021
A comfort when no has come too often
Thompson offers a very real look at this dilemma of faith. When God says no to our prayers it often challenges our faith in great ways! In this text Thompson weaves factionalized Biblical accounts with true narrative from life and sound advice. This enables the sorrowing believer to find a hint of hope.
Thompson offers a very real look at this dilemma of faith. When God says no to our prayers it often challenges our faith in great ways! In this text Thompson weaves factionalized Biblical accounts with true narrative from life and sound advice. This enables the sorrowing believer to find a hint of hope.
May 5, 2021
My Review:
“Almighty. Righteous. Fair. In control but not controlling. Kind. This is the God we serve. This is the God we trust. This is the One who is worthy of our service and trust. This is the One who often tells us yes…but sometimes tells us no”…..”Let’s study who God is—and why and how we can trust Him even when life turns sideways, upside down, or inside out.” (quotes from page 26).
Written in a warm, inviting style, this author walks us through some of life’s most difficult questions by sharing her own experiences and a careful look at what the Bible has to say on this tough topic.
This study is compelling, convicting, and comforting. I wish I could share with you all the passages I highlighted in this book, but there are too many to share in a short review. I loved how the author looked at the life stories of characters from the Bible; how God told them “no”; and how the lessons learned from them apply to our lives, too. She very skillfully takes us through the Word to show us God’s character and His heart for us. The chapter on “Jesus—The Garden: When You Need to Surrender” brought me to tears as I read about the Savior’s love for us.
I came away from this book feeling encouraged and comforted; filled with new hope. I’m glad to have it on my shelf to read again when I need reminders of God’s love for me.
This would be an excellent book for small group study. At the end of each chapter there’s additional verses to study; a “prayer prompt” based on scripture; and “journal prompts” that would make good discussion questions for a class.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Almighty. Righteous. Fair. In control but not controlling. Kind. This is the God we serve. This is the God we trust. This is the One who is worthy of our service and trust. This is the One who often tells us yes…but sometimes tells us no”…..”Let’s study who God is—and why and how we can trust Him even when life turns sideways, upside down, or inside out.” (quotes from page 26).
Written in a warm, inviting style, this author walks us through some of life’s most difficult questions by sharing her own experiences and a careful look at what the Bible has to say on this tough topic.
This study is compelling, convicting, and comforting. I wish I could share with you all the passages I highlighted in this book, but there are too many to share in a short review. I loved how the author looked at the life stories of characters from the Bible; how God told them “no”; and how the lessons learned from them apply to our lives, too. She very skillfully takes us through the Word to show us God’s character and His heart for us. The chapter on “Jesus—The Garden: When You Need to Surrender” brought me to tears as I read about the Savior’s love for us.
I came away from this book feeling encouraged and comforted; filled with new hope. I’m glad to have it on my shelf to read again when I need reminders of God’s love for me.
This would be an excellent book for small group study. At the end of each chapter there’s additional verses to study; a “prayer prompt” based on scripture; and “journal prompts” that would make good discussion questions for a class.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2021
It is hard to hear God say no especially to our dreams that we thought came from Him. Elizabeth Laing Thompson's "When God Says No", walks us through the stories of 11 people in the Bible who heard God say no to their dreams. These stories help us see that God has a purpose in saying no and encourage us to move on and discover what God has for us instead.
Each story gives us hope that God has our best interest at heart even when He is disciplining us. While God's no can often hurt and fill us with disappointment, we need to remember that God loves us and is there to listen to us. Thompson writes as someone with experience in hearing God's no, but she comes out of it with grace.
When asked to write this book, Thompson gifted us with the wisdom she learned from her experience. I have read several of Thompson's books, and she never fails to provide insight and wisdom that could only come from God and her experience. She writes what she knows and blesses us with her words of insight.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Each story gives us hope that God has our best interest at heart even when He is disciplining us. While God's no can often hurt and fill us with disappointment, we need to remember that God loves us and is there to listen to us. Thompson writes as someone with experience in hearing God's no, but she comes out of it with grace.
When asked to write this book, Thompson gifted us with the wisdom she learned from her experience. I have read several of Thompson's books, and she never fails to provide insight and wisdom that could only come from God and her experience. She writes what she knows and blesses us with her words of insight.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 4, 2021
Reading this book is like talking to a trusted friend. Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson seems to know what we're feeling, and what we need to hear and read. When God Says "No' has stories from both the Old and New Testament, along with the personal reflections of people of today. From Moses, who is told "No" to entering the Promised Land, to Jesus, who understood the need to surrender, this book is overflowing with sound advice, encouraging words, and thought-provoking statements. From dealing with lost hopes and dreams, to facing a terminal illness. we are reminded that God's "No" is given in love.
I urge you to grab a copy of this book, along with a highlighter, and savor this book that's filled with nuggets of inspiration that you'll want to remember. When God Says "No" is a wonderful resource that I will certainly read again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I urge you to grab a copy of this book, along with a highlighter, and savor this book that's filled with nuggets of inspiration that you'll want to remember. When God Says "No" is a wonderful resource that I will certainly read again!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
May 24, 2021
Isn’t it amazing how God works even when we are facing life challenges. I have been caring for my mom for nine months and praying for healing but God says no I will use this for my glory and she went home to Him recently. It was during the most difficult part of this journey that I was in the midst of reading this book. I would read it in short installments as I didn’t have much time but found it so comforting to find I wasn’t alone in my thoughts and feelings. It brings Biblical characters problems to light and then brings everyday events into play and shows us how not to lose hope in the storms of life. This is a book I will revisit and put on my keeper shelf. The authors insight and way of clarification is always interesting as I have read previous books by her. I highly recommend reading this.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
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