At the beginning of our trip, our team leader Kirsten had us all say ‘yes’ to one another. This just means no matter what happens or whatever is asked of us from one another, we say yes. Now, this wasn’t very easy to be honest. Somethings that were asked was hard to say yes to. Somethings that happened were hard to say yes to given the circumstance. I knew from that day that I wanted to get ‘yes’ tattooed on me – not only for the reminder of saying yes to my team but saying say to God when he calls me to go do something. Soooo, yesterday was our off day as a team and this happened! I quite literally said ‘yes’ yesterday!
Think about a time when God called you to say yes to something. For me, I was willing but then again a little scared. To be honest, it’s sometimes easy but most of the time it’s hard to do.
Going a little deeper: when we say yes to God it’s very natural to be scared. Sometimes it’s hard and overwhelming. But majority of the time it’s very exhilarating. No matter how you are feeling in the moment you do say yes to God, you are in Hiswill. There are tons of people in the Bible who said yes to Him when it was dreadful or hard.
Characters in the Bible who said yes:
- Esther said yes, even though it could’ve costed her very life.
- Abraham said yes when he went to sacrifice his promised son.
- Joshua said yes when he was chosen for a major task to lead the children of Israel into the promise land.
- Mary said yes to supernaturally carry the Savior of the world.
- Jesus ultimately said yes to die an excruciating death on a cross for you and me and countless others.
If you noticed in any of these stories, it was hard and scary for allof the, to say yes wholeheartedly right up front. Yet, at the end of the day, they all exemplary lives that eventually led to “Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless not my will, but yours, will be done.” (Luke 22:42)
So, even though saying yes to God may be hard or apprehensive at times. But I think knowing all these outcomes worked out for the good in the end and it can help us go forth in whatever God is asking of us.
Saying yes may cost you a lot my friend. It may cost you time, your summer, and possibly your money. Whatever God decides for His will to be accomplished through you, but don’t be afraid of this. Also don’t doubt His presence or the fact that He is with you to guide you along the way.
- Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God, who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 “ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Before I close this post, I want to share with you a few suggestive tips after you’ve said yes to God:
- Pray and ask for wisdom on what to do specifically (God is very detailed oriented) and pray for strength and endurance
- Take time to ask for direction – don’t rush but be still in His presence and wait for Him to reveal the next steps.
- Prepare yourself in every way: allow God to develop your character along the way, grow from your mistakes.
- Journal what He reveals to you through your quiet time, prayers, and through others.
- Know saying yes to God can be exhilarating too! Before Jesus went to the cross, he trained the disciples, fellowship with people, healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted, and set many captives free – saying yes to God is fulfilling.
Whether saying yes to God is serving in your church or community, being a light at your job, accepting a hard truth or trial, or being more intentional with sharing the gospel with non-believers or encouraging the body of Christ, youryes matters!
Remember that saying YES, you are doing His will and not your own. You are doing what He has called you to do. You are making a difference in someone’s life. You are glorifying God. So, carry it out into completion despite how hard or scared you might be.
