August is a month of new beginnings. You heard me right. Even in the middle of the hottest part of the year. When plants turn brown and people wilt from the heat, it is still a time of newness.
During this time, teachers walk into a bare and empty classrooms to make them fresh, bright, and inviting. It is the time to pull out and enjoy new school supplies. Nothing brings the whisper of school readiness to this teacher’s heart more than brand new brightly colored markers and gel pens. It is also the time for children to slip on their backpacks, with butterflies in their stomachs, cross the threshold of that cheerful classroom, and wonder in their sweet little hearts, “Will my teacher love me?” A new beginning. A new school year.
Saying yes, also begins something new. When we say yes to a marriage proposal, to a lunch date with a friend, or even to something like buying a new home, it begins a new journey.
In light of August bringing the opportunities for newness, each week’s post will highlight a blessing that saying “yes” to Jesus brings as we walk the road of this life. I pray that you will join me in reveling in these blessings and be encouraged to trust Him and give Him your “yes” daily.
Saying “Yes” to Jesus Brings New Life
What is the most important and life-changing “Yes” you have uttered?
Mine is when I said “Yes” to Jesus for the first time. I look back on that and wonder what in the world I was waiting for. For someone so young, I already had a lifetime of heartbreak and sin gripping my heart and mind and needed a Savior and a healer.
I was married, not quite a year, and a new mother of a four-month-old. At the age of 18, this is a lot of change occurring in one year. I enjoyed the benefits of having a marriage license because even though I wasn’t 21 yet, I gained admittance into country-western bars to dance the night away. This was fun and legal! I could even order a drink if I wanted one! How cool is that?? I thought it would be nuts to want to give up this opportunity! So, when I awakened in the middle of a fall night to God beckoning my soul, my words were, “Lord, I’m not ready.” A second beckoning. “Lord, I’m not ready to give it up.” And then He was gone.
He Beckons
What do I mean when I say that God beckoned my soul? It is somewhat difficult to describe because it was a calling or drawing of my soul toward Him. He didn’t use any words, yet, I knew what He communicated. He wanted me to say yes to Him. I truly didn’t know what saying “yes” meant, or what I was exactly supposed to be saying “yes” to, but the invitation was clear, nonetheless.
About six months later, even though I didn’t fully understand what the journey would entail, I chose to be baptized. It was then that the Lord began a new work in me and was faithful to place people in my path that He used to introduce me to His grace, mercy, and might. My life had a new trajectory and a new hope.
Why We Resist
What is it that holds us back from accepting this call?
- Fear of the unknown
- Too busy to sit still and think it through
- I’m a good person! Why do I need saving?
- God couldn’t possibly save me- too many ghosts in my closet
- I’ve got to get my act together first (quit this or that) before I can decide
- I’m scared of having to come to grips with my past
- Fear of trusting the control of my life in someone else’s hands
Think of your own experience with giving Jesus your “yes”. Was or is there hesitation? Is there that sense of “I don’t know if I want or need this?” If so, think about the root of what holds you back. Is it fear? Is it self-sufficiency? Share your thoughts honestly with Him. He can handle your honesty, and He knows what you’re thinking anyway. Ask Him to show you. He is faithful to answer the prayer of a seeking heart.
A Softened Heart
Perspective is a beautiful thing. I look back on that part of my life with the benefit of time, maturity, experience, grace, and the mercy of Jesus. The desire to finish my “fun” before I gave my heart to Him lead me to believe that I was trading something that I would miss. I also vividly recall the questioning and the softening of my hardened heart, the welling of emotion and tear pricked eyes in discovering the love He has for me.
Now, I thank Him for that journey. It is clear that He pursued me and called me to know Him. He was patient while I made my own decision, not barreling His way into my life, demanding that I follow Him, and He simply and patiently loved me toward Him. I could never have imagined the abundant life of joy and peace that He has called me to.
It’s Not Always Easy
Don’t get me wrong, I have had my share of trials, heartaches, and difficulties since I invited Him in. Saying “yes” does not set us free from difficult experiences and pain because as long as we live on this side of heaven, we will experience trials of many kinds (John 16:33), the difference is, we have His Spirit living in us. He gives us courage, peace and joy in the midst of those trials.
If I had only known that what I was truly missing was not the under 21-year-old’s ability to dance and drink, but this new life of acceptance, belonging and peace, there would have been no hesitation. If you have given your life to Him, take a moment to think back to that time in your life. How has He changed you? Take some time today to praise Him for doing this mighty work.
He patiently loves and pursues you. Are you ready to say, “Yes”?
