How's the Spirit Working?

So, it's been about a week since we started our study on "Where to Go From No."  How's God using His Word to challenge you, comfort you, or guide you?  I love to hear how specifically He speaks to us individually.  It boosts our faith to hear of His work in the lives of our brothers and sisters!

Here's something that the Holy Spirit has been impressing upon me this week - that when God tells us No, it is never to punish, but to guide.  In my own life, more often that not, I've really struggled to accept a "No" as a good thing.  I am often so short-sighted spiritually that a "No" from God seems like the end of something instead of the beginning of something different.  I am so encouraged that God sees the big picture. He knows that my life and experiences are interconnected with others and He is working not just IN us, but AMONG us.

This week I watched a documentary about the lives of insects (I know, I know....what does this have to do with King David and getting a "No" from God??).  I was AMAZED at the tiny goings on of these often overlooked creatures.  Here's how it connects - there is a whole realm of miniature happenings underneath our feet of which we most often aren't even aware.  Little ants and ladybugs and bees are busy, busy doing what God made them to do every day and we don't even recognize it.  Often, we don't stop to connect the dots in the details of our lives to see how God is working.  Just because we don't understand why God would redirect our paths with a "No" that doesn't mean He doesn't know every detail about what is going on.  His hand is in every tiny part of our lives - even the "hidden" things that others don't know about or that we don't perceive. 

Robert made a great point in the small group this past Sunday:  God knows even the intentions of our hearts according to David's inspired words in 1 Chr. 28:9.  I would argue that most of the time, WE OURSELVES aren't even aware of the intentions of our hearts.  As we grow in trust toward the Lord, we begin to realize that we are like babies, mostly unaware of what is best for us and reliant on our sovereign Savior to guide us with "No" and with "Go" according to what is best for His plan.  And, what is best for His plan is best for us.

Now, it's your turn, what are some insights you've had over the last week?  .......