Just Say “Yes”

Saying yes to God isn’t as easy as I thought.  Kind of reminds me of a Facebook post I read yesterday.  A young wife, pregnant with her first child commented, “This whole selfless thing is a lot harder than it looks.”  I smiled when I read her post.  Because I know.

This year God nudged me to make a commitment—a commitment to say “yes” to whatever He asks of me in 2012.  Now, it’s not that I’m in the habit of routinely saying “no” to God; it’s just that I’ve never actually gotten up every morning of every day in a whole year conscious of saying “yes” to whatever God asks.  As it turns out, saying “yes” has already proved challenging.

On Sunday morning God prompted me to give an extra gift to our church.  My heart was willing as I wrote the check.  However, less than two minutes later, doubts clouded my mind. “Are you sure that was God’s prompting? You already give more than most people—more than necessary, really.”  I shoved the plaguing thoughts out of my mind as I continued in worship.  Interestingly, we sang “I surrender all to You, Lord”. Hmmmm……

JP got up to preach.  Side note:  Although I live with him, I often have no idea what he’ll be preaching on, on any given Sunday. His message this past Sunday morning,“What Are You Living For?” from 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, keyed on the idea that the goals we set for our life ought to center around three simple concepts:

1. Glorifying God
2. Encouraging Others
3. Saving the Lost

He went on to explain that when I do what I do–“whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God”–then I’m living my life in light of God’s purposes for me.  JP ended his message with an invitation to commit to following God wholeheartedly in 2012.

In light of my private commitment to say “yes” to whatever, this sermon couldn’t be a coincidence. I knew God was speaking to me. I felt better about my obedience.

But….

Later that evening the enemy tried his tricks again.  Doubt.  Worry. Fear. Thoughts about what I could have done with the extra money I gave to God. I drive a seven year old car and we have a child attending a private college, after all. “Just think what you could have if you didn’t give”, Satan whispered.

But here’s the deal:  the real issue at stake wasn’t whether I wrote an extra check to the church; the issue on the table was will I say “yes” to whatever God asks of me, and keep saying “yes” no matter what?  The “presenting issue” could have been about any number of things—patience with a child, forgiveness for a wrong, purity in thought, integrity in deed, faithfulness to a commitment. All of these require an obedient “yes” to God.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far (and yes, it’s only January 5th so I have a loooooong way to go):

Saying “yes” to God with your lips is easy.  Saying “yes” with your actions is harder.  Staying saying “yes” proves most challenging of all.  Why? Because if there anything the devil doesn’t want us doing it’s saying “yes” to God and sticking to it.

Saying “yes” to God is the only way to live life fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for our lives.  If I say “no” I disqualify myself from being used by God. I remove myself from under the hand of God’s blessing.

Ouch.

So….sweet friends, I am on a private (and now public) journey to see what happens when one woman says “yes” to God.  I’ll admit it’s harder than I bargained for and even a little scary. But it’s also freeing and adventurous. What will God ask in 2012?  I have no idea.  But I’ll say “yes”.

Will you join me?

P.S.  I read this today on Twitter:

“Prompt obedience to God is a shortcut to a great life.”

-Joyce Meyer