When we say “no” but…
Have you ever experienced anxiety when you’re challenged to do something new? What about accepting a new job? Or recognizing the need to change a bad habit to a good one? Is that when we say “no” but…?
But what if God’s answer is “yes”?
Many years ago in my teaching career, I was offered an administrative position. I’d be overseeing numerous programs at my university and supervising the faculty for an entire academic division. Was I ready? Should my answer be no until I gained more experience?
Ten years into my marriage, my husband and I had a major crisis. My inclination was to end our marriage because our problems became impossible to resolve–from my perspective. But God showed me I was the biggest problem. Could I change?
When we say “no” but God says “yes”
Esther
When Haman led the plot to exterminate the Jews in Susa, Mordecai called on Esther to intervene with King Xerxes. Esther, in fear for her life if she went uninvited into the king’s presence, was hesitant. Mordecai said to her:
“Do not think because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”(Esther 4:13-14)
Recognizing this was part of God’s plan for her, Esther prepared to achieve the task. Her request to the king paved the way for Haman’s destruction and the end of his plan to destroy the Jews.
Gideon
The Israelites were in the midst of one of their periods of disobedience to the LORD. As a result, God allowed the Midianites to invade and take control. The Israelites cried out to the LORD for help.
The angel of the LORD came down and sat under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:11-12)
Gideon was startled, and questioned the angel about why the LORD had allowed the persecution of the Israelites.
We sometimes ask our Lord why bad things happen, don’t we? Do we question if God is with us? If He loves us, why do bad things happen?
Not only was Gideon amazed by the visit of the angel–he was nearly overwhelmed when directed to save the Israelites from the Midianites.
Gideon* wanted to say “NO.”
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least of my family.” (Judges6:15)
But God . . .
The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (Judges 6:16)
When God says, “YES!”
Our God equips us with what we need when He determines “yes” is the right path for us. Both Esther and Gideon were guided by God to accomplish the task He set before them.
So are we
God blessed me with the the patience, determination, and skills to succeed in my role as a college administrator. And an even greater blessing–He showed me the pathway to the changes needed to rescue our failing marriage.
Is God calling you to take on a task that you feel ill-equipped to accomplish? He will give you the strength, courage, and knowledge to begin the task and carry through to success.
Wishing you a week filled with joy and blessings, my friends.
I’m sharing the link to a wonderful and inspiring article by Pastor Lloyd Stilley. Not only does Pastor Stilley provide much more detail about Gideon than I included here, he reminds us an often forgotten hero. Pat Tillman’s story is worth reading–I hope you’ll take a moment to remember him and his answer to God’s call to serve.
God’s call can leave us afraid to follow because we tend to look at situations through our eyes and limited ability like Gideon did. But we know God’s power and His promises of deliverance. As in all the examples in the Bible, He is the same One who leads us. He does just want us to say yes in faith. Have a blessed day, Katherine!
Yes, Barbara, sometimes we are afraid, but He is right there with us–each step of the way when we answer His call. Thank you for being a role model for answering our Lord’s call to serve. Peace and blessings.
Thank you for this challenging reminder, Katherine. I pray I always follow God’s leading rather than my immediate reactions.
I join you in that prayer, Diana. May God bless you in His service.
When God calls, we must be ready to listen and obey. We may not know what will happen on the journey, but we can rest in knowing He is always with us. Have a blessed week! 🙂
You are right, Melissa, but I confess that I am not always ready when He calls. I’m thankful He is patient and encouraging as He nudges us gently (or pushes us when needed) to answer His call. Thank you being an encourager.
Thank you for this encouraging post, Katherine. (And the link to another encouraging post.) Praise God that you and your husband made it through that difficult time with His guidance.
I am blessed that God was with us through those trials and I’m so grateful that our Father led me, encouraged me, and was firm with me when I needed to make significant changes. We are so blessed by His love, mercy, and grace. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Priscilla.
Katherine, this post applies to my answer of yes when God called me write and to care for mom. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa, your love for God and the loving and compassionate care you show for your mother are an example for us all. Thank you for sharing God’s love in all your actions. Continuing to pray for you.
Your message reminds me of 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God says His power is perfected in our weakness. Why do we so easily forget this truth? Thank you for reminding me today, Katherine.
Thank you for sharing that scripture, Annie. It most definitely fits my situation (and many others, I expect). There’s so much that we would never be able to accomplish without our Lord’s guidance. “When we are weak–He is strong.” We are so blessed.
It’s scary to say “Yes” to God. Will he require more than I’m willing to give, will the ask be hard, will I fail? Our reluctance reveals a lack of faith. What if God isn’t as good as I hope he is? God, help me to trust you more. I hear God speaking through your post. Thanks for this, Katherine.
Thank you, Terri. You have voiced the fears which so many of us face when we try to answer God’s call. The fear of failure is a powerful seed sown by the enemy to keep us from serving God. I too, pray, “God help me to trust you more.” I’m grateful that you shared your thoughts.
I think the reason I want to say “no” sometimes is because the ask seems big and I feel overwhelmed. Yet, I know that God doesn’t call us to a live of ease, but He does equip us for what He calls us to do. Also, I’ve learned I can’t say “No, Lord.” The two can’t go together. Either the answer is “No, I want to be rule over my life” or “Yes, You are Lord of my life.”
“The ask seems big…” I think many of us have experienced those “big” asks and feel ill equipped to to answer “yes” because we are terrified. Yet when we respond with an affirmative, God gives us the skills, courage, and motivation to complete the work He called us to do. You went right to the point, Joanna, when we say “You are the Lord of my life,” He guides us through those trials, challenges, and the BIG “Yes!” Thank you for sharing.
Katherine, this is great! Love it.
Thank you, Debbie. I’m so grateful for your encouragement.
Great challenge in this message Katherine. It is scary to take that first step but so well worth it as we look back.
You are right, Yvonne. It’s often we don’t realize God’s hand at work in our lives until we look back. Thank you for your example and mentorship in setting and example of saying “yes” to God’s call to serve. May He continue to bless you in His service.