Why God Says No to Ice Cream

My parents are the quintessential grandparents. My Step-Dad takes them on fun outings around the farm, my Mom spoils them and buys them junk food, all that good grandparent stuff.

Today was no different. While they were out they got McDonalds and soda, 2 things they almost never get. Shortly after they returned home I heard the dreaded sound. It was a ways off yet, but there was no mistaking it. It was…the ice cream man!! I started banging some pans in the sink to distract and cover the high pitched tunes of that diesel fueled pied piper. But alas, their tiny ears, that managed to miss me asking them to clean up, picked up on the stirring rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.  

If you live along the east coast you probably know that its been a ridiculous winter. The kids have been pinned up inside for the last few months, to avoid the bitter cold. And if I’m totally honest to avoid me having to take 30 minutes to bundle them up so they can be outside for 10. But today was gorgeous, perfect ice cream man weather. I knew they had heard it before they ever said anything. With eyes wide and sugar coursing through their veins they pleaded with me. “Can we get ice cream!!!” I regretfully informed them they were past their sugar quota for the day. Then in a move that tugged at my heart strings they both stood in the window with sad puppy dog faces and waved as the ice cream man went by.

I knew that they REALLY wanted ice cream, I also knew that it wasn’t what they needed right now. It bummed me out that what they so desired, wasn’t wise for me to give them. I think this is how God feels sometimes. We beg and plead with Him for blessings, to answer yes to our prayers. But like any good parent He can see the long term affects, and says no. I believe it saddens Him to see us so disappointed. He isn’t trying to keep something from you, He is trying to get something to you. He wants you to know, just as I want my boys to know, the no isn’t because of something you’ve done wrong, its just what’s best. Trust Him, and don’t be afraid to ask when the ice cream man comes around cause one of these times it may just be a yes. 

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jer. 29:11 AMP