When Men Say No, God Says Yes

WHEN MEN SAY NO, GOD SAYS YES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 55:8-11

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:31, Numbers 23:19, Psalm 118:6, Acts 5:29, Genesis 50:20

INTRODUCTION:

Life often presents us with limitations and disappointments from people. Doors close. Opportunities are denied. People we trust may let us down. Human rejection can bring pain, but the good news is that God’s approval outweighs every man’s denial. When men say no to you, it does not mean God has said no. In fact, God’s “yes” can override every man’s “no”.

We must remember that man’s rejection is never the final verdict. God is sovereign, and His purpose for your life cannot be stopped by human opinions. God specialises in making a way where there seems to be no way. His word will not return void; it will accomplish what He pleases.

Today’s message is a divine assurance: even if the world shuts the door, when God speaks, no man can revoke it. When men say no, God still says yes!

1. GOD’S PURPOSE CANNOT BE OVERRULED BY MAN

God is not bound by human decisions. When He chooses to bless or lift a person, no opposition can stop Him.

a) God’s counsel stands forever (Proverbs 19:21):

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

b) Human rejection cannot cancel divine election (Romans 9:15-16):

God shows mercy and chooses whom He wills.

c) Closed doors may be divine redirection (Revelation 3:7-8):

God opens doors that no one can shut and shuts doors that no one can open.

d) God uses rejection to orchestrate His purpose (Genesis 50:20):

What men meant for evil, God turns for good.

Biblical Example: Joseph was rejected by his brothers and imprisoned, but God elevated him to power in Egypt.

2. GOD'S "YES" BRINGS RESTORATION AND HONOUR

Even after rejection or delay, God has the power to restore and exalt those who trust Him.

a) God lifts the humble (1 Peter 5:6):

Humble yourself and in due season, He will lift you.

b) The stone rejected becomes the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22):

Rejection is not the end, but often the beginning of a greater glory.

c) God crowns the faithful with favour (Psalm 5:12):

He surrounds the righteous with favour like a shield.

d) Divine timing brings honour (Ecclesiastes 3:11):

God makes everything beautiful in His time.

Biblical Example: Esther was initially just an orphan, but God elevated her to become queen for divine purpose.

3. GOD RESPONDS TO FAITH, NOT OPINION

When men say no, your faith in God's promise activates divine intervention.

a) Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6):

Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

b) Believe God’s report above man’s (Isaiah 53:1):

Whose report will you believe?

c) Delay is not denial (Habakkuk 2:3):

Though it tarries, wait for it, for it will surely come.

d) Faith silences every voice of rejection (Mark 5:36):

Do not be afraid; only believe.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood believed beyond public opinion and was healed by Jesus (Mark 5:25-34).

4. GOD’S YES BREAKS EVERY LIMITATION

When God says yes, no force can keep you down—whether spiritual or physical.

a) God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19):

His promises are sure and unfailing.

b) If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31):

His backing outweighs every opposition.

c) Divine yes breaks protocol (Esther 5:2):

God’s favour can bypass natural laws.

d) God sets the solitary in families (Psalm 68:6):

He lifts the rejected and gives them a place of honour.

Biblical Example: David was overlooked by his family, but God chose him to be king (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

CONCLUSION:

Man may shut doors, deny opportunities, or declare failure over your life. But those are not the final words. When God says yes, it means acceptance, restoration, honour, favour, and fulfilment. His yes overrides every “no” spoken over your destiny.

Today, refuse to be defined by rejection. Stand in faith, believe in God’s plan, and walk boldly knowing that heaven’s approval matters more than man’s applause.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, silence every voice of rejection over my life.

2. Father, let Your “yes” prevail in every area of my destiny.

3. I reject every verdict of limitation and failure.

4. Let every man-made delay be turned into divine acceleration.

5. Open every closed door meant for my lifting.

6. Restore every opportunity I have lost through rejection.

7. Grant me divine favour that overrides human opinion.

8. Empower me to walk in confidence of Your calling.

9. Let Your purpose in my life speak louder than every opposition.

10. Thank You, Lord, for saying “yes” over my life when men said “no”.