Sometimes God’s greatest protection looks like a closed door.

One day, you’re going to look back and thank me for this.

I know right now it doesn’t feel like something to be grateful for. The closed door. The unanswered prayer. The person I removed. The opportunity that didn’t work out. It feels like loss. Like rejection. Like I’m withholding from you. But I’m not.

You’re going to look back on this moment and realize that my “no” was the kindest thing I ever did for you

– Jacqueline Whitney

I’m protecting you from something you can’t see yet. I’m redirecting you toward something better than what you were begging me for. I’m saving you from a future that would’ve broken you.

That relationship you’re grieving? It would’ve cost you your peace. That job you didn’t get? It would’ve drained your soul. That door I closed? What was behind it couldn’t hold who you’re becoming.

You’re going to look back on this moment and realize that my “no” was the kindest thing I ever did for you. You’re going to see that the waiting developed you. That the redirection saved you. That the delay was actually perfect timing.

You’re going to thank me for not giving you what you wanted when you wanted it. Because what I’m giving you instead is so much better.

Trust me. One day, you’ll understand.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.