You know about the road less travelled or the one that leads you home. Perhaps, you search for the road to success, but instead find the fork in the road. You stumble as to which direction to turn and end up looking in the wrong direction. You desire the high road, but feel backed into a corner and instead take the low road.
But have you heard of the Road to Yes??
What would it take for you to get there? Is it a place you wish to visit? How will you know the road is leading to yes when inside you only hear the word “no”?
Life typically takes us in many different directions. We experience ups and downs, twists and turns and the straight road leading to the horizon. But, when we stop to choose our way at the fork, we see possibilities either way. One road looks like “no” and the other is the road to yes.
I am captivated by roads and pathways. Each one is waiting for discovery and expectation sizzles like a candle as it is first lit. But honestly, I want to make the choice and take control.
Paul begins his letter to the Romans sharing how anxious he is to visit Rome. Over and over again, Paul is prevented from going to Rome. My first reaction to being stymied at every turn would look like frustration. Paul, however, took it in stride because he knew that God said “yes” to this plan but added not yet. How many times do we try to get somewhere and instead find ourselves back where we started? Are we happy with knowing the answer is “yes, but not yet”?
For the last month, I lived in a time warp of heading toward the road to yes with a firm footnote of not yet. I lived with a friend and learned that waiting patiently works to your advantage if you let it. I was gifted with rest, slow days, long walks and good books and fell into an easy rhythm of learning how to wait. Almost two weeks ago now, my house was ready and I moved out of my friend’s house into my home. My “yes” came much sooner than Paul’s did.
The Book of Romans, with all of its intricacies, gives us insight into Paul’s ministry and his desire to reach Jews and Gentiles by sharing the Gospel. But when we read Paul’s words we find out that while his heart was in the right place he also needed to trust in God’s timing.
There are several reasons that take us off road from the “yes” to a “no”.
God tells us we are not the right person for the job. Have you ever experienced rejection when searching for a job? In your mind, you knew the job was perfect for you but for some reason you were passed by.
We find out the work is right but not now. God tells us “no” because He knows that there is other work that He has for us. I remember making a choice as a young teacher to leave teaching completely. I felt I could succeed with more rewards in another field. God quickly showed me how teaching was my ministry. The lesson here is that God always knows best.
God knows the right time and the right work. How often have you prayed a specific prayer only to find it unanswered again and again? God prepares our hearts for the work He chooses for us and creates the perfect setting and timing.
The road to yes is the road to God. It is choosing to walk faithfully toward Him. God provides the “yes” and the “no” at the perfect time. His plan is foolproof and the road we travel always leads us home.
[Tweet “When God tells you yes, but not yet, press in closer and believe in His timing.”]
As you look toward your road to yes, press into God. Know how He wants the best for you. Allow yourself to go off road if God leads you there. Lean in to God’s timing and His gentle leading.
Let Paul’s words remind you that God is the keeper of our yes, but not yet.First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. Romans 1:8-10
Pressing in and trusting,
Linking with:
Thanks for your wisdom here, Mary. I so appreciate this. I’m in a season of trying to figure out where my road is leading. 🙂 So your points about God knowing the right job and the right timing are helpful here.
Happy for you and your new home Mary! That must have been an interesting time when as a young teacher you left for something you thought was better for you, and then ultimately found it was teaching where you were to be. I wonder if these wanderings make us stronger too, to our calling or ministry when we go back to them? He sure can use our wanderings away for good too, I think!
Patience and waiting are not my strongest areas, my friend ;). The “yes, but not yet” answer always throws me for a loop. Thanks for this important encouragement, Mary. You are inspirational how you have shown me through your own life how to be faithful and brave in the waiting. I’m so thankful to have you, your words, and your friendship in my life.
Mary,
I know you’ve wrestled with God over which path is the “Yes” and then have been patient when He has said “not yet”. It’s hard when God is God and we are not and we don’t have a clue as to His timing??? Your patience in seeking and searching and even in the waiting will be rewarded as you are obeying His commands to your heart. Looking forward to what this next chapter holds for you….
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev xx
There has been a lot of wrestling in my life but God is always faithful. I’m not sure if I have been patient through the process but I certainly have been taught so many valuable lessons.
I pray I keep looking forward to God and His yeses and fall deeper in love with Him. I am blessed you stopped by and left these words of encouragement.
So, my computer is acting up. I’ll try this again. 🙂 I loved this post, Mary. I like the Road to Yes. I like being where I want to be. But, more often than not, I’m on the road to No or the Yes . . . but not yet track. It can be challenging to accept those places with grace. Paul’s response was so good. He was eager, expectant, but accepting when God said not yet to his desire to be in Rome.
Thanks for the reminder to stay close to God, regardless of the road He has me walking on. I need it! 😉
PS–You know I love your photos my friend!
I was having computer problems yesterday too. Thank you for persevering and leaving me a comment.
It is good to see you here. I can learn so much from Paul and I imagine I will as the year goes on. I pray we can be patient like Paul and trusting that God’s timing is always the best. May our roads always be ones that take us toward God. Blessed to have you here and thank you for the compliment about my photos. I love yours too.
I love this, Mary. It’s sometimes hard to surrender to God’s timing, but He always has such wise reasons, doesn’t He? Sometimes years later, we realize why He said “no” or “wait” and we are in awe of how He worked all things to our good. Other times when we’re in the dark… Well, we’ll someday know why, right? Thank you for this encouraging post. Blessings and hugs!
Sometimes we do understand why we waited so long for an answer and other times we never know the reason. I need to tell myself that it doesn’t matter because God has the plan and it is good.
I’m glad you were encouraged and I pray that we both are able to keep surrendering it all to God.
It’s lovely to see you writing again here, Mary! I hope you are getting settled in your new house. Thank you for this reminder to trust God’s timing. It is hard when we feel God has put something on our hearts and it doesn’t work out as quickly as we hope but Paul provides a great example of faith in that sort of situation.
Hi Lesley! What a treat to see you here today. I am getting settled into my new home and I am finding what great peace I feel at being home.
I pray you are doing well and that Paul guides us all in learning how to trust in God’s perfect timing.
I am always ministered to by Paul’s balance. He was one hard-driving guy, completely committed to the Great Commission – but when the Spirit said “wait,” he knew better than to forge ahead.
Trusting God for that kind of sensitivity, today, and looking at the leaves here in New England, not yet turning color, but waiting for the breath of autumn.
I am studying the Book of Romans this year through Bible Study Fellowship so I can’t wait to continue to learn more about Paul and from Paul. I love how we learn the lesson early on in Romans of yes, but not yet. I have experienced this same thing in my own life. I’m not sure I am as patient as Paul.
May we keep our hearts turned toward God in a posture of allowing Him to lead us in His perfect timing. Blessings!