
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV)
"But mom…" I heard my daughter say, in response to me telling her that she had to eat two more bites of her dinner before she could have a piece of cheddar cheese. How often do we do the same thing with God? He asks us to do something. He puts a prompting upon our hearts. He opens our eyes to a need that we could meet… But God, we mentally whine and complain.
We may try to make excuses, but at the end of the day, God’s way is always the best way. It is the only way for us to receive his blessings of joy. It is the only way for his favor to rest upon us. It’s the only avenue that leads to peace. It is the only way.
Jesus is the only way (John 14:6). We must comply with his plans.
Only through Jesus can we lead holy lives. Apart from Christ we are lost in a sea of darkness, drowning in our own iniquities and wrongdoings.
But God.
He made a way. He sent his son. Jesus died and rose again. We are saved by God’s amazing grace, through Christ’s redeeming love. John 3:16- This is my resurrection song, my glory story, my only hope.
Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God is my King. His Spirit is in me. His presence gives me direction. His holiness leads me along righteous paths. His love holds me, and carries me through hardships and tumultuous trails.
I love the Lord Jesus with all of my heart. I owe my life to him. Do you feel the same way?
(I am assuming you said yes…) So the next time God asks you to do something, say “yes!” Say yes to his plans. Say yes to his purposes. Say yes to inconveniences and small sacrifices that ultimately bring him glory.
Some things the Lord asks for us to do are easy to accomplish. But sometimes the Lord asks big things of us in order to stretch our faith. But we know that the stretching of our faith produces character, and instills in us a sense of steadfast perseverance to pursue the Lord God in all things (James 1:3). Say yes.
Saying yes is not always comfortable or easy. Sometimes saying “yes” can seem like befriending a prickly cactus. But it is what we are called to as Christ followers. We must go whenever and wherever our Savior leads. Sometimes we are called to step out of the boat, to brave the wind and the waves. But the good news is that Jesus is right there with us.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV, Emphasis Added)
Rely on the Holy Spirit inside of you. Rely on what God’s Word says. When weighing a decision that is upon your heart, look to God and not yourself. Refuse to rely on your own human nature, or fleeting feelings. Our natural nature and tendency is sin. The steering wheel of our hearts is slightly tilted to the left. We need God to work through us in every way in order to realign our hearts with his own. So lean into God’s Word and pray. God will give you an answer, and his all consuming peace that comes along with it.
Rest in God’s grace. Respond in holiness. Say “yes” to Jesus.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
Steps of Faith:
Not only should we say yes, we should say yes with a cheerful heart, and an attitude of gratitude. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
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"We need God to work through us in every way in order to realign our hearts with his own." So true. We need Him, yet we turn to ourselves. May we truly "learn" from that mistake.
I am very guilty of missing opportunities with God because I just "don't want to listen". When we say no we run the risk of missing a divine opportunity to see God in that situation and spend time with him!
As you said, "Sometimes the Lord asks big things of us in order to stretch our faith." This is SO true! And you're right -- the saying yes is often a challenge. But saying yes will also grow us in unexpected ways. Thank you for the push and the reminder to be obedient and just say YES to God! ❤️