On May 8th, devastating storms hit Middle Tennessee. A powerful tornado destroyed entire towns nearby, while drenching rain and hail impacted everyone in the area. The worst damage we received seemed to only be significant flooding, but a serious notification that night revealed a worse result.

Asher Sullivan, the ten-year-old son of the director of Rutherford County Schools, had got caught in a storm drain and swept underground until eventually being treated with emergency care. Barely any activity remained in his brain by the time the news went out. The Sullivan family begged for prayers, and the news swept through the large county like a lightning bolt.

Everyone I know of responded. The churches, the youth groups, school board, and clubs united together under one resolve: pray. The Rutherford County School System organized a prayer vigil, which hundreds of people attended. Christian clubs at school took time out of their morning to gather about a hundred strong and petition God for a miracle. Christians prayed both in private and together, until all of Rutherford County became unified under this one hope. Asher even gained national attention as K-Love spread out the message of prayer.

But about ten days later, Asher lost his last brain activity and passed away.

I knew God wouldn’t always perform a miracle, wouldn’t always say “yes”, but I thought surely, with the amount of people praying and the ferocity of our prayers, that God would listen. I thought that He’d use Asher’s revival as a way to show our county His presence. But He didn’t.

And He’s still a good, just, and perfect God.

It’s a lesson my friend taught me years ago. After I had mistakenly commented that God did not answer my prayer, she said, “God always answers your prayers. It’s just that sometimes the answer is no.”

Jesus did say, “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find” (Luke 11:9 ESV), but it’s also important to understand that God knows what we do not. He knows every detail of every circumstance, every aspect of every moment.

God didn’t give Asher a miracle because He knew that a better option was available for Asher and his family if he wasn’t healed. Asher gets to dance with the angels before we do. He gets to see the face of Jesus before we can. God knew the best future for Asher is what happened on May 19th.

Because we know that God is righteous and that “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28 ESV), we can be assured that this is what God willed, and His will is perfect.

The story isn’t over. The Sullivans still need immense prayer for comfort and peace. But let’s continue to trust God no matter what the situation presents.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.