When God Says No to Our Dreams - He's So Worth It Ministries

Listen Here

Two weeks ago, I returned to one of my favorite places on earth—the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. My all-time favorite trail is climbing Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff. That’s where I caught the hiking bug over 30 years ago. This trail has it all: rushing streams, fascinating geological formations, and breathtaking vistas around every bend. The six-mile, 3,000-foot climb is challenging—but worth every step! And the best part? There’s a rustic lodge at the summit where hikers can stay—if they’re blessed enough to snag a coveted cabin reservation.

The first time I climbed Mt. LeConte in the 1990s, a desire was born in me: one day, I wanted to stay at that mountaintop lodge. In 2018, that long-held dream came true—and it was glorious! (You can read about it here.) I met wonderful people, shared my faith, encouraged a new widow, and witnessed a stunning sunset. The only thing I missed was the sunrise from Myrtle Point, the eastern overlook a mile from the lodge. I didn’t have a headlamp for the dark pre-dawn hike—a big faux pas on my part! Ever since, I’ve longed to return and finish that part of the dream.

This year, I decided to try again. In the spring, I joined the waiting list for a cabin at Mt. LeConte Lodge in October and prayed for a miracle. After all, fall is the busiest season in the Smokies. For reasons I can’t explain, I felt certain God would grant my desire. Still, I told Him that if He said no, I would not pout or complain.

Then in August, the call came—there was a cancellation. We were in! My hiking buddy Darlene and I were thrilled.

But as the date drew near, the forecast turned bleak: rain all day. Hiking a steep mountain in the rain isn’t just miserable—it’s dangerous. Surely God would clear up the weather, right? After all, He’d made the impossible reservation happen. We prayed and trusted that He could change the weather if He wanted to.

But what if He didn’t?

Darlene and I agreed—we wouldn’t complain. Years ago, God taught me that it’s okay to be disappointed, as long as it doesn’t lead to discontentment.

Well, God didn’t change the weather. He said no to our dream.

Why? I don’t know. I wrestled with Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7–11, where He tells us to keep asking and assures us that our Heavenly Father gives good gifts to His children. If that’s true—and it is—then my definition of “good” needs to align with His.

So, I asked myself:

What deeper truth might God be teaching me about Himself, myself, or others?
What eternal good could come from this “no”?
How might this situation bring God more glory?
Is there spiritual growth He wants to cultivate in me or someone else?
Could there be a soul He intends to reach through this?
What lasting fruit might Jesus want to bear through this experience as I abide in Him?

My conclusion?

Contentment. To rest in letting God be God—to embrace the mystery. We can find peace in life’s disappointments when we truly know, deep in our souls, that God is good and can only do good (Ps 119:68; Rom 8:28).

As it turned out, Darlene and I made the right decision not to climb Mt. LeConte that day. Because of the bad weather forecast, we did a longer hike the day before—and near the end of the trail, we met a Jewish couple. The wife, Beth, was open to spiritual conversation, and I was able to share my testimony. Perhaps one day I’ll see her and her husband in heaven. Would you pray for their salvation?

My friend, God really does work in mysterious ways. My prayer is that this “no” to my dream will bear lasting fruit for His glory—and maybe even for yours as you read this.

P.S. I did hike partway up LeConte the following day, and it was splendid! And who knows what eternal fruit might grow from that hike, on that trail, on that very day.