If you say so
She rolled her eyes at her mother’s directive. With a shoulder shrug designed to offend and a huff of frustration, this angry daughter turned her back on her mother and stalked away. Just before slamming her bedroom door, she shouted, “If you say so!”
If you say so
Often when parents hear this phrase from their children, it’s expressed with anger and sarcasm. Only after tempers cool and reflection time intervenes, do parent and child usually come to a peaceful reconciliation.
Sometimes, however, responding with agreement to the request with, “If you say so” may have amazing results.
Because you say so
Early in His ministry, Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee) teaching to those gathered there. Two boats came to shore so the fisherman could wash their nets. Jesus got into a boat owned by Simon and had Him put the boat out a little from the shore. After He finished teaching he told Simon:
“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:4
Simon (who later Jesus called Peter) answered:
“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
Luke 5:5
Much to the amazement of the fisherman, they caught a tremendous number of fish–so many that their nets tore and the boats started to sink.
This was when Peter recognized Jesus was no ordinary man. Several of the fisherman left their boats to follow Jesus.
Just as Peter recognized that Jesus was no ordinary man–but rather, a divine being whom we should honor, praise, and obey–so should we.
Three ways to respond as Peter did–in obedience.
Listen for our Lord’s direction
While we don’t have our Lord with us, as Peter did, we have several ways to hear His voice:
- God’s Word (as provided by Scripture)
- Prayer (He is always only a prayer away)
- Mentors and prayer warriors from whom we can seek for guidance
Accept the challenge
After we’ve gained wisdom and discernment by seeking guidance through Bible study, prayer, and other believers, we can accept whatever challenge our Lord provides with the assurance of our Father’s wisdom, love, and mercy. He doesn’t promise it will be easy to commit to Him and respond with obedience. However, God does promise to be with us on the journey.
Leave the familiar
Our pathway to follow our Lord’s will (because He says so), may require us to leave what is comfortable and familiar, and venture into the scary unknown. This may bring up the need for us to:
- Take on tasks at church, our place of work, or in our community that are out of our comfort zone.
- We may be called to speak out when we see something not being done in God’s will.
- Accept leadership roles to serve Him that could possibly lead to being criticized for what we do in His service (or what we didn’t do).
Have you been called to serve Him by the simple directive of, “Because I say so”? What was your response?
What a privilege we have to follow because God says so. We don’t always recognize that truth, yet it remains so.
Well said, Diana. It is a privilege to follow our Father who is steadfast, trustworthy, faithful, and above all, merciful to forgive us our signs and guide us along the right path. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight. Blessings!
Thank you Katherine. Obedience – the because I say so” – can be messy and uncomfortable, but there can be peace knowing God asks what is best for me and He knows and sees what I don’t.
Marilyn, I remember times when I’ve been obedient, but I was “kicking and screaming” rather than being at peace when submitting to our Fathers will. I’m so thankful for His mercy and grace. Wishing you a blessed week.
Obedience. It’s more difficult than it sounds sometimes, isn’t it? I think it’s because we let our human will get in the way of doing His will. We naturally don’t want to do things that make us uncomfortable. Yet, those are often the very things that God uses to grow us to be more like His Son. I wish I could tell you the number of times I’ve used, “… because I said so.” in my life. It’s innumerable I think. 🙂 In most cases, what it inferred is, “trust me, I know what’s best for you.” Sound familiar? That’s the very thing God wants us to do. So enjoyed this post and the straightforward tips on how we can say “… because You say so” with a willing heart. God’s blessings Ms. Katherine.
Obedience is difficult, J.D. In my case I think it’s because I’m stubborn, hard-headed, and sure that “my way” is the best way. I’m so thankful for God’s patience, grace, and mercy. As unworthy as I am, when I mess up, He picks me up, dusts me off, and says, “Learn from this and do better.” I believe our Father’s loving patience is infinite, and in my case, much needed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, my friend. Your wisdom is always much appreciated. Blessings!
The article really spoke to me. I use your blog posts regularly for part of my daily devotions. Thanks.
Thank you, Jimmie. Your encouragement is much appreciated. I’m so glad you’ve found a cooler place to walk out of the hot weather and you’re continuing to walk regularly for good health. Wishing you a blessed week.
Bruce and I are going through this now, Katherine. We’re praying about whether to move to a house in NC or return home to my family and friends in Texas. Many solid and good reasons for both decisions and the right one will come with extreme sacrifice. God lovingly led me to Isaiah 30:17 last week, “This is the way; walk in it.” That’s what I’m holding onto. And if I don’t understand his direction, I’ll do as he says so! Timely post, thanks!
Oh, my, Mary–that is a tough decision. I’m praying for you. Thank you for sharing Isaiah 30:17. It’s one of my favorites and I’m always grateful for the assurance of God’s love and care for each of us when I read this verse. Peace and blessings!
This year God clearly directed me to stop chasing my dream to publish and care for my mom. I surrendered and a book deal came about six weeks later. I’m out of my comfort zone with both tasks but God’s grace is sufficient.
Congratulations on your book contract, Lisa. That’s wonderful. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this journey with your mom. You’re sharing an amazing gift of love by your care for her.
Doing as I say so is sometimes difficult because we don’t know the outcome. But the more we walk with our Savior the stronger we become and we can know that His way is always best. Our flesh wants to lean to our own understanding but this always turns out in disastrous ways. In all my years I have finally learned this! Thanks for sharing, Katherine.
So much wisdom in your response, Barbara. Thank you for sharing. You’ve reminded us that consistency and steadfastness in our faith keeps us on the pathway with our Lord. Like you, it has taken me many years to learn the vital importance of our walk of faith with our Savior. Joy and blessings!
Great points here, Katherine. Kids often think they deserve some sound (to them) reasoning from parents before they should obey. At times, we do the same with God. I’m always amazed at Father’s patience toward me. He sure does love His kids, doesn’t He?
Oh, yes, Annie, our Father loves us. His faith, mercy, and love are infinite. I’m so grateful for His patience. Wishing you peace and blessings.
Thank you for your words, Katherine! As an introvert, I’m out of my comfort zone when God calls me to lead others in serving. Thankfully, as you pointed out, He is with us in the process!
I’m in the “introvert clan” too, Kim. Thankfully, God has helped me venture into new territory, some of it is scary! I’m so grateful that when He sends us on a new pathway, He is with us. Wishing you continued blessing on your journey.
Obedience has been hard for me at times because it kinda felt like I was jumping off a cliff into the unknown. But the passage of time has shown me time and again that obedience leads to greater blessings which leads me to trust God more and more.
My journey has been very like yours, Candyce. I’m thankful God’s patience and encouragement along the road to obedience because as you point out, His blessings continue to grow greater. We are so blessed.
These are 3 sure ways to follow the Lord through our lives, and one that challenges us all at times. Thanks for your insights, Katherine.
Thank you for your encouragement, Kathy. We are so blessed that God is right with us through those challenges. Wishing you peace and joy.