What Happens When God Says "Not Yet" or "No Altogether"?

Shamyr’s evaluation at Oasis Christian School

Last summer, we celebrated a big answer to prayer. Madeline’s daughter, Alissa, was accepted into Oasis, a Christian bilingual school with U.S. accreditation. It was a joyful moment for all of us who had been praying for that opportunity.

As this school year went on, we began praying for the same opportunity for Chedline’s son, Shamyr. Many of you know this bright, curious young boy. Right now, he attends a small local private school that costs about $40 a month. While I don’t believe cost or size alone define a good education, a move to Oasis would be life-changing for him.

As we continued to seek the Lord, a generous couple stepped up and offered to cover everything. His tuition, bus fees, materials, all of it, if he were accepted. The financial provision was there. All that remained was the acceptance.

On May 8th, we took Shamyr to Oasis for his evaluation. As we waited, he asked questions about the school, trying hard not to get too excited just in case things didn’t go as hoped. I kept reassuring him, “Don’t worry buddy, you’re going to get in.”

Then came May 28th.

We got the news, he didn’t get in. My heart sank. I was gutted for him.

The school said he didn’t test well academically. The door we thought would open… stayed shut. I couldn’t explain it to him, and honestly, I still don’t fully understand it myself. The provision was there, the desire was strong, but the answer was “no.”

Even so, I hold on to what I know: God’s timing is perfect.

His plans are good. Even when we don’t see the why, we trust in the One who sees it all. And we keep praying, we keep trusting for Shamyr, and for the story that’s still being written in this young boy’s life.

For his education, for his salvation in Christ.