During our lifetimes, we say no to many things. We find or make excuses for the things we don’t want to do. We change our plans. And, sometimes saying no is beneficial for our mental and physical health, so we don’t overdo it. In our bustling society, people seem to keep going for twenty-four hours a day. This kind of hectic lifestyle does not fit with the way God intended us to live. But, do we get the same benefits for saying no to God?
Ending Up In th Wrong Place
Let’s look at what happened when Jonah said no to God. We find Jonah’s story in the Old Testament in the book by the same name. God wants Jonah to go and warn the city of Nineveh of the pending disaster if they did not repent from their ways. Jonah did not like the people of Nineveh, so he did not want to help them. We don’t hear him saying no to God, but instead, he runs away from the task. Long story short, Jonah ends up in the belly of a huge fish for three days. He reluctantly changed his mind and followed God’s directions.
We live a hectic lifestyle that does not fit with the way God intended us to live. But, what benefits do we get for saying no to God? Click To TweetMy own story of saying no to God did not end well either. We were on a mission in Kenya. The plane to the area we worked was a small prop job that bounced all over the skies on our first leg. I did not want to return the same way, so I suggested we take the train back to Nairobi. I felt and heard God telling me to trust Him, but I did not listen. We took the train, and it derailed halfway back to the city. We almost missed our flight home to the USA because of me. I recognized my error for not following God. He kept us safe from harm, but He did teach me a lesson.
Looking for Confirmation
Maybe we are not bold enough to say no. Instead, we want a sign from God to confirm His command to us. Even though it is not a “no,” we figure that we will get no response, so we are in the clear. We play these games to keep us from God’s calling. But this kind of response can have consequences too.
Once again, we look to the Old Testament as an example. Gideon heard the Lord command him to lead an army against the Midian army. Gideon is scared. He thinks he is not qualified or skilled enough to accomplish this task. So Gideon asks for a sign from God to confirm if it is God talking to him. Once Gideon gets the sign, he is still hesitant, so he asks for a second sign. He is a brave man for asking for two signals. Things worked out for Gideon in the end. But, the New Testament reminds us that we should not put God to the test.
Testing
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”
Matthew 4:7 (NIV)
I can relate to Gideon’s example in this story. When I first sensed God’s nudge to write, I felt reluctant to do it because I had no experience in writing. The message kept nagging at me to write a book about our mission work. I kept putting it off by convincing myself that it was me saying it and not God. Finally, in frustration, I told God to get my husband to ask me to write a book. The feeling went away. That is until a month or so later. Out of the blue one evening, my husband asked me how my book writing was going. My mouth fell open as I stared at him. I wrote the book because I did not want to end up in the belly of a fish.
When we feel the nudge of God, we need to learn to say yes to Him. His ways will lead us to places of wonder and astonishment. Click To TweetGetting Started
God created each of us for a purpose in this world. His plans for us are better than anything else. When we feel the nudge of God, we need to learn to say yes to Him. His ways will lead us to places of wonder and astonishment. Not sure where to start? He lays out some of the commands for us:
- Repent and follow Jesus
- Love God
- We should love our neighbors
- Love our enemies
- Let our light shine for others to see
- Give to those who ask
- Go and spread the Gospel
Do not say no to God. Follow Him wherever He leads you. Trust His ways lead us to the greatest rewards.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Blessings,
Yvonne M Morgan, #Blogger, #Speaker, #Writer
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
100% of the proceeds from sales of my book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, go to help the orphans at Orphan Relief Effort, Inc
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Powerful post, Yvonne. I sometimes want to ignore that little tickle telling me God is trying me to go one way when I have my mind set on another, but I’ve learned ignoring it is always the wrong choice. It almost always leads me astray. God knows what is best for me.
He does know what is best. And when I look back over my life I see how wonderful His way was for me. Such a blessing. Thanks and God bless.
Praying I always listen to His nudges. I always say that He taps me on the shoulder three times and then, hits me in the head. hahah! Thank you for a wonderful message.
I love that, taps three time. But you are so right. If we don’t listen, He will find other ways to get our attention. Thanks and God bless
Any time I choose my way over his, I’m showing my lack of trust in God. The fool says in his heart, “No, God!”
Yes He does. And if we don’t listen, He will find others ways to get our attention. Thanks and God bless.
You wrap your article up with a powerful directive and promise, “Do not say no to God. Follow Him wherever He leads you. Trust His ways lead us to the greatest rewards.” Truly when we learn to fully trust Him and follow Him, He leads us to only what is good. It is our disobedience that leads us down dark pathways of no rewards. Thank you for the reminder, Yvonne! 🙂
Thanks Marcie. I appreciate your comments. It is so easy to try to ignore His prompts because we are too busy or too scared. But, oh the places He can take us. Thanks and God bless.
Obedience – the route to God’s blessing. Thanks for this reminder that He has the best plans.
Thanks so much Beth. He does have the best plans. God bless.
I need to be more aware of the nudges. Sometimes I realize them after I’ve missed a chance. Silence accentuates nudges. Great post.
Thanks Nancy. Me too on missing out on some of the nudges. I wonder what I missed out on. God bless.
Another needed message, Yvonne. I relate at times in my life with Jonah and Gideon and the experiences you shared…especially your story. Because I’ve been on mission to Kenya and Nairobi and rode small planes and trains. That sounds so much like something I would do…particularly when it comes to safety instead of trusting God. I want to listen to God’s voice and follow His plans and callings. I pray I will say yes and not no.
Thanks Karen. The next time I went to Kenya, I went by plane to show God I would trust Him and it was a horrible trip but I did it. And I did it back again to Nairobi. It is not easy to say yes sometimes but it strengthens us. Even though I hated the plane journey, He kept me safe. Thanks and God bless.
Oh Yvonne, I love this message! How powerful are the negative results of saying no to God. I appreciated both your Biblical example and personal example. And saying yes, as you well know, brings possibilities we could never, ever imagine. For His plans are much higher than ours. Not always easy, but shining with the light of Christ more brilliantly than anything we could ever think up for ourselves. Bless you!
Thanks so much Melissa. It is not always easy and I will forget to say yes sometimes but it is so worth the effort. Thanks and God bless.
I said no to God for a few years in college in regards to my major. Once I switched to journalism — what I knew He had been calling me to all along — it was as if this weight had been lifted, and I was filled with peace! I remind myself of that whenever I’m tempted to say no to Him!
Yes, He does give peace when we follow Him and say yes. Great example so thanks for sharing. When we begin to fully understand how much betterHis ways are for us, it becomes easy to say yes. Thanks Emily and God bless.
It can be hard to know sometimes where God is leading. I feel a little unsure right now. That’s so crazy that your train derailed!! What are the chances? Glad you survived it… and I’m sure got better at knowing God’s voice.
Amen