I recently read a Christian novel, Sunset Coast, by Susan DeVore Williams. It’s been a long time since a novel challenged my heart and spirit like this one. In the story, an Episcopalian priest challenged the heroine to “just say ‘Yes’ to Jesus everyday for a week, and see what He would do.”
For seasoned Christians that should be easy, right? But often when we are prompted by the Lord to do something, we put Him off with “Later, Lord, I’m busy right now”; or “that’s not my responsibility.” Even though we haven’t really told the Lord “No,” by not saying “Yes,” we have defaulted to “No.” That is what challenged me.
Convicted, I took the priest’s challenge and what a week it was! Phone calls I’d been putting off were made; overdue email replies were sent; invitations were made and unexpected or difficult ones were accepted. Throughout the week, a keener awareness of the presence and prompting of the Lord was my constant companion. I’m again proactive in my spiritual walk! I am no longer just coasting along, but rather am looking for His leading so that I can immediately say “Yes” – and He hasn’t disappointed me! With Easter approaching, what better time is there to evaluate our obedience to Jesus Christ? I believe He would rather have our instant “yes” of obedience than all the sacrifices we could make.
As the angels who met Mary at the tomb on Easter morning told her to “be not afraid,” and as Jesus gave the same admonition to His disciples when He appeared to them in the upper room, He calls us to “be not afraid” to say “Yes” to Him today … and all our tomorrows. So, my Easter invitation to you is to join me, in saying “YES” to Jesus every day. Then, let’s see all that God is able to accomplish!
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” I Samuel 15:22
…all that we have accomplished You have done for us. Lord, our God… Your name alone do we honor. Isaiah 26:12-13
Authored by Ruthann Gleason