August 16
Encouragement for Today
“Just Say ‘Yes!’ to God”
Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries
Key Verse:
Isaiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (NIV)
Devotion:
Last night, we had the privilege of tucking five blessings from God into bed. When God led my husband and I to adopt our two sons from
Art thought about how we could financially increase the size of our family, how we could find time to raise two more children, how we could raise boys (we “think pink” around our house), and how we could find room in our home.
Through the process, my deepest question was why us? I wasn’t sure if I even knew how to do the motherhood thing right with three kids, much less five! I thought, God, shouldn’t You call on someone who looks a little more like the Old Woman in the Shoe and who can handle loads of kids with a smile?
One day, I called my dear friend, Sheila, and asked her this question: Why us? I poured out my heart. I unloaded all my doubts and questions. She patiently listened without much response. Then quietly and prayerfully she answered, “Because God knew you’d say yes, Lysa.”
I was stunned. It was the highest compliment I’d ever received. My heart was filled with joy, as suddenly memories filled my mind of the years of spiritual training God had taken me through to get me to the place where I could be called a woman who says “yes” to God.
God gave us many confirmations to adopt Mark and Jackson, but now when I think back, I remember sitting in that church pew the day the Liberian Boy’s Choir sang, just going about my ordinary life, when God’s extraordinary invitation burst forth. I could have so easily walked out of that church and ignored God’s stirring. I’ve done that more times than I’d like to admit. But look at everything we would have missed out on had I done that.
As Jackson and Mark said their prayers before bed last night, our eyes filled with tears when they thanked God for answering all those many years of prayer and helping them find their way home. We had all experienced the awesome embrace of God as He brought our family together in a way only He could.
What a picture of our orphaned souls. That’s what we all were until many centuries ago the cries of a newborn baby proclaimed that our King, our Savior, our Lord of Lords, our Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ was born. Then he lived and loved and submitted to death on a cross. He said “yes” to the greatest challenge of all. He was obedient, and three days later God was faithful to fulfill the promise of Scripture and raise Him from the dead. This became the way for our longing hearts to hear those six simple life-changing words: “You are my child – welcome home.” That’s what God says to all who trust in Him and accept Christ as Lord of their lives.
My Prayer for Today:
Sweet Jesus, just as you said “yes” to the cross to give me a home with You, help me to have a “yes” heart for You and the opportunities You put before me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Read Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3.
Is God calling you to something big – really big? Is it bigger than you could ever accomplish on your own? Write down what is stirring in your heart.
It’s time to commit whatever God is laying on your heart to Him. Lay your burdens, anxieties, fears, and misgivings on Him, and let Him take care of the details. He is your Father, and He wants to help you work it out. Write a prayer, laying down your burdens and asking for the Father’s help.
Read Jeremiah 6:16; Mark 10:21-22.
When God calls, not everyone says yes. These two passages give us glimpses of those who decided not to take a great adventure with God. What do you think stopped them?
Reflection Points:
Let me encourage you that your spiritual journey doesn’t end the minute you become a Christian – that’s where it really begins! Being a follower of Christ is a continual process of learning, growing, stretching, and trusting. Each day we can look and listen for God’s invitation to join Him in His wondrous work. Just be ready to say “YES” at any given moment!
Power Verses:
Luke 22:42, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:20, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_whatHappens.htm
A Woman’s High Calling, by Elizabeth George
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_highCalling.htm
Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed, by Lysa TerKeurst
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_radicallyObedient.htm
Originally published Tuesday, 16 August 2005.
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