Many times saying “yes to God” takes everything in you to follow through. It feels like holding onto a toy with all your might because you believe “It’s mine!” We like to win and we like to come out on top. Hmmm! That is what God wants for us too but we need to release our white-knuckled grip on those things that do not belong to us and instead hold on tight to Jesus.

My story mirrors the white – knuckled grip scenario above. Letting go for me was not a choice but ultimately God always knows what He is doing. A year ago my world was tilted on its side when I was asked to step down from one job and moved into another one. God pried my fingers away one by one and spoke to me very directly to let me know that this is what He desired for me. I did not understand this plan and tears flowed, heartache ensued but in the end peace prevailed. When your comfort zone is invaded without warning, you question your expertise, your competence and your abilities to perform in any situation that is different. But on this day, when the world seemed to shift in mid-revolution, God blanketed me with His peace and holding onto Him and His promises was not only the logical thing to do but the easiest. God called me to be brave even though I felt anything but courageous.

When you trust in God, He makes you strong and when you take His hand and say “yes”, He never lets go. I find myself turning to the story of Ruth in the Bible for encouragement and for a reminder of what an unconditional “yes” looks like. Ruth’s remarkable but simple story of radical obedience is a clear example of the kind of woman that I would like to be. You see Ruth, a Moabite, refused to leave her mother-in-law’s side after her husband died. Naomi, her mother-in-law, had two sons both of whom got married and both who passed away. Naomi was clear in her wishes which was for both daughter-in-laws to return to their homes and families. Ruth, however, knew that her path of obedience was not with her family but with Naomi. She beautifully states it this way:

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:16, 17 NIV)

Ruth took the chance but in the end believed this path to be true and right. I love her “stick withitness” even in the face of adversity. Her story is faith-filled and inspiring. Her unconditional obedience is a model for all how one simple “yes” results in multiple blessings from God. Click here to learn more about Ruth.

 My story continues today and the blessings that have resulted from the act of saying “yes to God” still amaze me. God’s peace provided me with a bravery I didn’t know I had. I survived a month long transition and landed back in the classroom as a teacher. I felt acceptance, love and camaraderie – three things I had not felt in several years. God knew exactly what He was doing because the greatest blessing was hitting my “sweet spot” again. I was in my comfort zone. I knew I was home!

Remind yourself often that God loves amazing endings and He will make that happen! Say “yes” and hang on for the ride. I have no doubt that it might be “white-knuckled” and bumpy along the way but the amazing ending will not be far behind.

Thank you so much for stopping by today and I would love for you to share your story of radical obedience.

Please check out these fabulous blogs that I am linking up with today:

Join my mailing list!

 

Subscribers receive updates, newsletters, and FREE resources! Your information is safe and will never be shared.

If you're not receiving emails from me, check your spam folder and mark my emails as "not spam."

SUBSCRIBE!

You have Successfully Subscribed!