Hello and welcome. Today we're exploring what it means to trust God when he withholds. How do you keep trusting God when the gift that you baked for just doesn't come? Many of us know that Ike. A prayer that still hangs in the air. An answer that never seems to land. When God withholds it tests your heart, but it can also grow. It. Luke's gospel tells us about John the Baptist. He was in prison waiting for rescue. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he really was the Messiah. And Jesus replied, this. Go back to John and tell him what you've seen and heard. The blind see, the lame walk. Those with leprosy cured, the deaf hear. The dead are raised to life. And the good news is being preached to the poor. And he added, God blesses those who do not fall away because of me. Luke chapter seven, verses 22 and 23. That's a pretty astonishing reply, isn't it? Jesus points to all the signs of God's kingdom breaking in sight, restored strength, renewed, healing released, hope preached. And yet the door of John's cell stays shut. That's a pretty hard truth. God may move in power and still say, not yet to your need. When God withholds, faith learns to rest in who he is, not in what we think he must do right now. The Bible calls God the potter and us the clay. The potter shapes with care. He knows when to press, when to ease, and when to hold the form steady. The clay can't see the full design. The clay doesn't choose the kiln. In prayer we learn to agree with that order. He is God and we are not. This isn't defeat. It's trust. In the Salvation Army. We long to see change. Homes found, addictions broken, hearts healed. And many times we do see it, thank God. At other times, though, help seems slow when that happens. We have to keep serving. We keep praying and we keep our grip on control. Light. In my own ministry, I've prayed for sons. I've prayed for volunteers. I've prayed for a way forward when the path seemed blocked. Sometimes the answer came quickly. Other times, the door stayed firmly shut. Looking back over those times, I can see God's hand in both. When he was held, he was still at work, holding me in place while he said the shape. So how do you live this out today? First you name the loss. God can take your honest words, however harsh they might be. Tell him how you feel. Then thank him for where you can see his work right now, in your life or in the lives of others. And finally, pray, Lord, I will let you lead that simple surrender. Create space for peace. It also keeps you ready to act when the next step comes. Because here's the truth. When God withholds, he doesn't withdraw. He's near. He is still good. He is shaping you in the waiting. Just as much as in the answering. So let the potter lead. Even if you can't yet see the pattern. Even if the kiln feels too hot, his hands are steady. And that kind. Today's thought starter is. Where do you sense God saying not yet. And what would it look like to trust him with open hands today? Let's pray. Lord, you are the potter and I am the clay. I lay down my plans. Am I need to control when you give. I will praise you when you withhold. I will trust you. Shape my life for your glory and the good of others. In Jesus name, Amen. I'll see you next time. As we keep walking forward together in faith and obedience.