For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, “My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure”;
Isaiah 46: 9(b)-10

“Dad, I know I’ve asked you about doing this before, but we haven’t really discussed it. Are you thinking about letting me go?”

“There’s no need for discussion, Anabel, my mind is made up. This is one of those ‘non-negotiable’ areas that has already been decided. I’m sorry.”

Were there times like that in your life when you asked permission for something and your parent gave this reply? No discussion necessary. It is non-negotiable. It was usually denying something that in the mind of your parent was not in keeping with what was best for you or because other plans would have to be altered–some radically–if you were allowed to follow through with your request.

Might that be the reason God was silent when Jesus talked to Him about the crucifixion plans? “It’s a closed issue, Son. Just stick to the plan We made together.” There isn’t any way we could possibly comprehend how many secondary plans would have been altered–how this request if granted would have affected our world–your life and mine. Jesus asked for a reprieve. God didn’t answer. But that silence communicated one thing very definitely. No. We can’t change the plans. Jesus accepted that “non-negotiable” silence from His Father.

Parents are sometimes painted as “control freaks.” “They just don’t understand.” “Why is this such an important deal to them!” But, did we ever examine the heart of the parent? I’m so sorry. I know how much this means to you, but you don’t know all of the ramifications. I can’t give you permission to do this, as much as I would like to and I do understand what this means for you and the sorrow that you’ll go through. Just remember that I’ll be suffering with you.

God’s revealed will is non-negotiable. Sometimes you and I ask for something that was decided long before we made our entrance on Planet Earth! Psalm 139:16 says: You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion. You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in Your Book!

Does God give “silence” sometimes because as far as He is concerned there is no discussion needed?God is not using us (manipulating us) to further His purpose. We are His purpose. He has us in mind; to love us, have fellowship with us, to conform us into the image of Christ.1 He will allow nothing to deter that purpose–no matter how many times we ask or how much we plead. But then, do we really want to change His plan for us?

1 Pres Gillham: Article: Rabbi, Which is the Greatest Commandment?