Acts 10:14 records a shocking juxtaposition of words from the apostle Peter. “No, Lord!”
I wish Peter was the only to say no to the Lord. But I’m afraid I join a long list of followers of Jesus who have sometimes called him Lord, and told him no.
The christian life is all about saying yes to Jesus.We say yes to him in salvation by turning from sin and placing our faith in his death and resurrection. We say yet to him in discipleship by following where he leads and doing what he says.
Recently, I watched as dozens of missionaries were commissioned and sent out by the International Mission Board. They said yes to the Lord’s call on their lives and were going all over the world to tell others about Jesus. It was moving and encouraging and convicting.
Here are some suggestions about how you can stop saying “No, Lord” and start saying yes to Jesus.
Remember the damage of saying no. There are sometimes difficulties connected with saying yes to the Lord. He may call you to do hard things in hard places at hard times. Saying yes to him may lead to difficult climbs up steep, narrow paths. But don’t forget that there are also difficulties with saying no to the Lord. A no means you miss God’s best for your life. A no means you are following a lesser authority for your future. A no means you are disobeying the one who loves you, died for you and calls you. A no means you are living an inconsistent life and wasting the opportunities, giftedness and talents God has given you. Saying yes to God can lead to difficulties. Saying no to God can lead to disaster.
See the joy of a life of saying yes to Jesus. While saying yes to the Lord can result in difficulties, it also leads to blessings. Don’t make an easy life your goal. Make your goal an obedient, purposeful and significant life. Saying yes to the Lord is where you will find contentment and joy. It is where your life leaves an impact. I’ve seen so many committed followers of Christ who have faced adversity for the cause of Christ but tell us it was worth it; that pleasing the Lord is the better way to live. They found the joy of God’s will.
Answer yes before you know the question. Don’t wait to see what God wants before deciding to obey him. Decide to obey him and then see what he wants. Say yes to the Lord before you even know the question. Do this because you know God wants what is best. Do this because you know you can trust God. Do this because God’s way is better than yours. When we want to know what God wants before we decide, we are running our lives. When we say yes before we know what he wants, we are letting God run our lives.
Many have joined Peter in saying “No, Lord”. Many have lived as though Jesus is merely an advisor rather than Lord. But God had a better plan for Peter and he has a better plan for you. He calls you to follow, obey and trust.
Say yes!
Doug Munton 