Y-E-S

With the events of the past and upcoming weeks, I can't help but ponder on this one word. A word that is the key to accessing what we often miss, what we desire, and what we are seeking.

When it comes to the luxuries and the photogenic moments of life, we are all so quick to say a three-letter word that changes the course of action. This three-letter word is used in what we desire most, from finding new love to the idolized idea of receiving gifts in whatever way they manifest. To the more "beautiful" and "peaceful" things in life, we have no hesitation in uttering and even shouting the three-letter word, yes.

Who wouldn't say yes to the most opportune moments of life that we have so longed for or desired? It seems like an absolute answer, and there is no other choice.

Throughout these past years, I have carried this word, making it a part of me. It has tethered itself to my personal testimony and life story. I've learned to cherish this word in more than just the Instagram-worthy moments of life, but the most private and tear-soaking moments too.

We undoubtedly say yes to our life plans, agendas, and desires. But what about the moments we don't want to say yes? The moments that scare us that challenge us beyond what we know, the moments that strip us of our own ability, our own pride, and security, to these moments, do we just say no? What if you are meant to say yes?

Let me ask these questions differently. If the Lord says to abandon everything and trust him, will you say yes? If He asks you to stop what you're doing to trust him, will you? If He tells you to quit your job, move to a different city, or wait for His door to open, will you do it? Will you say yes to the moments that aren't so glamorous? Will you say yes to going to another country that isn't known for its tourist attractions and serving its people? Will you give all you have to people you don't know?

Will you be willing to lose any title, your social media, or any platform you have to go to the people who need seeking in your city? Will you do all of this without any recognition? Will you say yes to any of this? Will you build an ark in the middle of a drought?

Saying yes is more glamorous than we make it out to be. But the reward of a yes stands regardless of the process it brings. I've said yes to abandoning everything around me, and even at times, a job; no matter how ridiculed I may have been, I committed my yes to Jesus. My yes isn't one filled with irritation, though frustration does arise. It is filled with the faith and boldness that if He gave everything to me, then why can't I give Him everything I have in return. If He asks this of me, what He has is something far greater than what I am trying to achieve on my own.

I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Crazy faith receives crazy rewards, but it all starts with telling Him yes.

Saying yes goes beyond the action, but it also pertains to inner- self-reflection. Can you say yes to forgiveness, healing, and surrendering whatever character development you may need? This is almost always the first yes that is required. Maybe you must take a moment to fully acknowledge the mess in your heart and be honest with yourself and God. Once you begin, development follows, and opportunity follows after that.

He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:39

I think of the song " I have decided to follow Jesus." It's a cute song that most of us learn in Sunday school growing up in church. But, as we grow up, it remains a pretty song instead of the eternal heart posture for our life. We take back our yes from him, we turn back from following him, and suddenly no becomes the only option because we have acknowledged human pride and ability.

If we say yes to the scariest and most unglamorous moments of life, it can produce the most beautiful fruit and reward. Could it be that the most beautiful fruit is trying to grow, but there needs to be healing? A more incredible opportunity is waiting, but you must let go of what you think is good. Will you wait without settling while the perfect opportunity comes?

What if you have been saying no to what you are meant to say yes to and yes to what you are meant to say no to? Can you lose grip of your idea of life and say yes to the more significant? Answer the call and say yes. I promise it has been worth it all.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the provision you are. Thank you for the opportunity to receive more remarkable than I have planned. Grant me the boldness to let my yes be yes to you. Help my unbelief and grow my character in you as I say yes to what you want for me, even if that means surrender. What you have is more significant than I could achieve and dream of. You have my yes, Lord. Amen.