Knowing When and Being Willing To Say Yes

 "Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one" - Matthew 5:36-37

We have worked alongside volunteers - Christian volunteers - for many years. Since 1993 - that's 30 years - wow - a long time. Martie and I have often said that one of the joys of the path that the Lord has called us to walk is that we have met so many wonderful Christians. People who are willing to set their lives on the back burner to serve others. Living out the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39) and giving visible, tangible testimony to the greatest expression of love which was shared by Jesus in John 15:13. 

I find something else at work in many churches. The Christians are more interested in living their lives - focused on themselves. Willing to help but only if is convenient and is not in conflict with some other event that was, I think, more interesting to them. Ministry is not convenient. Ministry requires you to give something up - you - your time - your devotion to other things. When the opportunity presents itself, you know if the Spirit is prompting you. You know if it is God speaking to your heart. The question is will you obey His voice.

"Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise." - Luke 10:30-37

You must be willing to be inconvenienced - letting your daily routine and plans be interrupted by God. That is not to say you should say "yes" to every request by man - but "yes" to every call by God. How will you know the difference? By drawing close to God and listening to His voice. Like the Prophet Samuel.

"And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”" -  1 Samuel 3:8-10

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone