We not only use discernment to look beyond the obvious when analyzing how God has answered our prayer. Sometimes we have to use discernment to realize that God’s answer to our prayer is – “No!”
But the question is why would a loving, caring Father deny His child’s request for shelter? Well, we don’t know the whole story of this believer. We don’t really know where he came from – or where he is going. We were only given his present situation. And we felt compassion for him. We saw a believer in need; a believer, who had made a request to God to meet his need, in some way.
But perhaps, previously; the man had occupied a secure shelter. But he determined in his own heart that God needed him somewhere else – so he struck out on his own with a plan that he had convinced himself was God’s plan. And by doing so, he left the security and the blessings of God by striking out to fulfill his own will.
Or perhaps, at an earlier time; God had provided the believer with resources to meet his need and the man squandered his blessing foolishly. And the man failed to see or learn from his errors in judgment. In both of these cases, the man must ask God’s forgiveness for his disobedience – and return to the place God desires for him before God can again shower His blessings, upon the believer.
But maybe, the man was walking in the will of God and the Father said “No”, because it was His will that this believer suffer the hardship of the approaching winter. Knowing that by enduring the harsh elements, the man’s faith would be strengthened, for the Father would provide for his needs on a “just in time” basis. Then as spring arrived, the believer – though weak in body – would be stronger in spirit. And the believer is now hardened in the trials of battle, for he had endured everything which the bitter winter could throw at him, by holding securely to his faith in his Heavenly Father.
God may say “No!” for many reasons. But He never says “No!” – Just because He can.