It seems simple enough. I mean how hard can it be to say “yes”? A little word with three letters that we learn to say at a young age. An affirmation that all is right with the world. A positive in a world that broadcasts the negative. A big shout out that says “hey, I’m in” when the chatter around us sounds more like “no”. Easy right? But I press pause often because the power of yes is daunting and overwhelming. And in the pause I analyze, predict and outline logical steps, believing that I can figure out my “yes” before I even say it. You too???
My first tendency for most of my decisions is to press pause. I visualize what a “Yes” means in the situation, what it will look like and how this affects me. Jumping in with both feet feels foolish and risky. Life is about informed decisions, measured responses and cautious steps forward, RIGHT??? God loves to take the pause button right out of our hands and instead press play even when we aren’t ready. This is the power of yes!
Have you ever jumped into the water feet first without testing it? Do you jump before taking the time to figure out what the outcome will be? How do you face decisions in your life?
My response is not the same as everyone else’s and your decisions may look very different from mine. But what I know is that God is a patient teacher who never sighs deeply as we take our time over and over in moving forward. God loves to show us how in the power of yes He protects with a safety net, ready to catch us when we feel like we are falling. He is the anchor when we are drifting, the lighthouse beacon directing us toward home, and the shore when we need rest from the crashing waves. God is in the power of yes with a promise that all will be well.
Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us. 58 May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors. 1 Kings 8:56-58
[Tweet “All is well because God’s the promise in the power of our yes. #sabbathofferings #powerofyes”]
The power of yes is easy when we believe in God’s promises. When we say yes to God’s plans, the path is rough, rugged, jagged and challenging. But the remarkable beauty that greets us when we round the bend is God’s pre-ordained gift for us. When our “yes” matches the one God writes for us, our steps rhythmically match His in a journey of greatness.
The power of yes looks like…
A step by step journey with God by our side
Multiple mistakes and an abundance of grace
Jumping feet first into the water because we know God is our safety net.
A path with no end until we choose the promise and hope of Jesus.
Yes is a leap when all you really want is solid ground beneath your feet. It is trusting God in the details and the moments you have no control over. Every “yes” brings you closer to the bend in the path and the amazing view of God’s glorious creation.
May we see Jesus along the path, allow Him to show us the way and trust that our “yes” is exactly what He had in mind the whole time.
Walking toward yes and trusting in God’s promises,
Joining Lisha @GiveMeGrace
I have had to learn NOT to jump in feet first without checking to make sure God is in it! I’ve had to learn wise restraint. I thinking we’re both trying to get to the same place – but it’s like we’re both sides of a pushme-pullme. However, both require trusting God – and that’s where I’ve had to learn to slow down and make SURE it is God encouraging me to jump in!
Affirming! We can be confident that everything will work out when we say ‘yes’ to God. 🙂
My husband is definitely and “all in” – “yes’ kinda guy. While I am definitely more reserved. It’s sometimes interesting to see how God works in both our personalities to bring us along His path. Blessings on your week, my friend!
I definitely relate to this. I hesitate to say yes because I get overwhelmed by the detail and questions about how it will work out. I love how you put it that “God loves to take the pause button right out of our hands and instead press play even when we aren’t ready. ” So true, and I think the key is letting go of control and trusting that if God is calling us to say yes he will work it out.
Yep, I’m a presser of the pause button, Mary. Often. But your wise words will return to my heart, reminding me that God is the one with the ultimate control of each pause, each step forward, each retreat backward.
He knows the path we should take. I need to know His heart in a deeper way …
Sometimes saying yes to God is saying no to something we really want to say yes to! Thankfully, as you mention, we always have His safety net of love and grace.
I had a real-live encounter with saying “yes” but it was with Gary this past week on our vacation in Wisconsin. We were hiking at Devil’s Lake and part of the trail involved a spot where you could climb up these huge boulders and overlook the lake below. The spot where Gary was able to scramble up seemed much too steep for me. I also have one bad leg that I feared would buckle or not pull me up. However! Gary would not take “no” for an answer and kept his hand extended down toward me. I gave it all I had and I’m so glad that I did, Mary! It was a spectacular view! What I would have missed if I had not pushed through my fears to the other side of that “yes!” Thanks for your inspiring challenges for us to be brave, girlfriend!
God’s using your post today, Mary, to speak a word of confirmation to me! A dear Turkish sister of mine has planned a women’s retreat for the end of next month, and now I realize she wants me to help her. This would be my worst time of year to plan a retreat, but I feel I should honor her and God’s work in her. (She’s helped me plenty of times and will in the future too) So I’m saying “Yes” even though I’d normally be cautious in September…
Mary, this is such an encouraging word for me, though I’ve found saying yes to a season of rest (accompanied by extra physical busyness), harder than I thought possible. The leap can look like more of a tottering into faith, a small step with greater potential than we realise. I love these words: “When our “yes” matches the one God writes for us, our steps rhythmically match His in a journey of greatness.” Oh yes! The key thing is how to discern between desire and duty. Trying to sense what we are called to do or have a pressing pull to fulfil can be challenging. I’m discovering that when our desires match God’s will for us then we are better placed to move at His pace. I also love the positivity radiating from your words today! Bless you as you say yes and maintain a close walk with God. xo <3
PS: I'm saying'yes' to Michele's words above re the quote from Julian of Norwich. Such simple, needful, yet often hard to live with truth when life seems anything but 'well'.
I am just so tickled to see you here today. I don’t take it for granted that you maybe gave up something else to read my words and leave encouragement today.
You have been so faithful in your season of rest. God honors our yes and I know he loves how you have stepped back to take care of yourself and your husband. I know we can put our own desires first rather than listen to what God is really asking us to do. I imagine in this season you have time to really listen and discern what God is saying in your own life. Thank you for your kind words and for speaking life into me just when I needed it. Blessings on your week!
Your post reminded me of an old song with simple lyrics, “http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/shirley_ceasar/yes_lord_yes-lyrics-1117942.html#ixzz4HyT4RJp8
I’ll say yes, Lord, yes
To your will and to your way
I’ll say yes, Lord, yes
I will trust you and obey
When your Spirit speaks to me
With my whole heart I’ll agree
And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes”
Thank you for the song lyrics. I looked it up and if I can say “yes” with half as much energy as Shirley Ceasar I’ll be doing great. Thank you for stopping by and joining me on this Sunday.
Was it our ancient sister Julian of Norwich who said, “All shall be well, and all things shall be well, and all manner of things shall be most well”?
Looking forward to hearing about all that God does with that strong yes that’s reverberating through your words today!
Thank you for sharing the quote. Julian did say that and I like how the words point us forward. The big yes is another lesson in letting God be in charge and me humbly letting Him. It is trusting that God will walk through the “yes” with me and all will be well. Blessed to have you supporting me in my journey.