Yes

“One yes can change the course of your life forever.”

It wasn’t unheard of advice, by any means. I knew the power of yes and no. We all do. But it was a good reminder, from a seasoned foster mom, and I tethered her words to my heart so they wouldn’t get lost in the sea of emotions.

That simple phrase has bobbed up and down on the surface as I’ve questioned many things over the last three months. The truth is, this journey has brought me a great amount of joy that, I’m hoping, will help balance out the impending sorrow to come.

Had I known then what I know now, would I have still said yes?

Would I have still surrendered my will, my plans, and my service?

Most of my life, I’ve said yes to the things I’ve desired. To the things that would fulfill my wants, my hopes, and my dreams. To the things that directly, and positively, impacted me and my people. I’ve said yes to the things that were convenient. That didn’t require me to actually die to my selfish ways, but rather let me gaze fondly at my cross instead of hoisting it upon my shoulders and following after Christ.

And yet this, the very space in which I’m residing, is exactly what I prayed for. To be molded more into the image of Christ. To be salt and light. His hands and feet. To look more like Him, and less like me.

 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-22)

They said yes. Immediately and without a second thought. Leaving behind the world they knew. Their careers, their homes, their families. They said yes. And it was going to be a costly yes to step out into ministry with Christ. Far more than they originally knew, I’m certain.

But their yes would not only change their lives forever, it would change countless lives, including mine and yours. A short answer to a big question. They left everything familiar to follow Jesus into the depths of the unknown.

Some days, I feel the same. And the tug to retreat to the familiar is tempting. Far more than I’d like to admit. To crawl back into my safe little boat, returning to the way things were, before the curtain was pulled back and I had a clear view. Back when life was smooth sailing, easy going, and I thought I had a small semblance of control.

But then I remember that this is ministry. This kind of stuff, this is what God planted us here to do. Not to sit around, looking pretty and smelling nice while we build up our own little kingdoms. But rather to willingly crawl into the trenches and get our hands dirty, just like He did. To build something of far greater value. To partner with Him doing kingdom work, accomplishing things for the sake of eternity.

To say yes to the calling – whatever it may be. No matter how hard, or scary, or inconvenient it appears. Because we don’t venture out on our own.

He has given us people to walk alongside us.

And better yet, He is leading the way.