Jane was reflecting on the weekend women’s conference. Surrounded by women who had been through similar difficult circumstances, she noticed that they were now free and thriving while she was still stuck in a cycle of discontent. The Scriptures shared had implored her to do the same things as the other women. But while they had said “yes” to God, she had said “no.”
Jonah said “no” to God, and his disobedience landed him in deep water—literally (Jonah 1:15). The Lord saw the sinful ways of the people of Nineveh and told Jonah to bring His message of how they could be made right with Him by turning from their sins, but the prophet chose to run away from God instead. He hopped aboard a ship set to sail in the opposite direction, towards the city of Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Jonah despised the evil of Nineveh and knew that if he brought God’s message to the people, they might turn to Him and be spared the destruction He had threatened (Jonah 4:2). Sometimes we too will say “no” to God because we want certain things to happen—our view of justice or how life should be. But His wisdom and ways are always best!
Ultimately, Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish. Only then did he repent and choose to obey God (Jonah 2:1-10). When we choose to disobey Him, the results can be devastating. How much better to follow His ways out of love! (John 14:21).
Jonah’s obedience was reluctant, yet it brought glory to God. When the sailors saw the storm subside as soon as they threw Jonah overboard, they vowed to serve the Lord (Jonah 1:15-16). And the 120,000 people in Nineveh repented and turned to God after hearing His message (Jonah 3:5-10, Jonah 4:11). God’s perfect will will always prevail. May we choose to say “yes” to Him today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Daniel 1:1-21
More:
Read Colossians 1:10 for more on how saying “yes” to God will result in growth in your spiritual life.
Next:
In what areas of life have you persistently said “no” to God? What happens when we truly obey God and follow His ways?
Gary Shultz on May 28, 2015 at 6:47 am
Yes, we say no more often than we should. It is the poorest of responses. God wants us to pay attention to what He has to say because it is always the best thing. I think the sooner we understand God’s wisdom is above all, the better off we will be. Thanks
Ruth O'reilly-smith on May 28, 2015 at 12:31 pm
Hi Gary, always saying “Yes” to people or ourselves is never a good thing, but always saying “Yes” to God is vital for our growth as followers of Jesus. Saying “Yes” to God is a habit we have to develop though, it’s not easy initially, but when we do it, our faith is built up as we see the positive results of our obedience. It may take a while for us to see the positive results however – sometimes we’ll only see them in eternity.
Tom Felten on May 28, 2015 at 9:52 am
Ruth, it’s clear that obedience is vital in our relationship with God. And I’ve found it’s so much better and effective to obey God our of love, not fear. When we realize who He is, what He’s done and sacrificed for us, and that His commands are there because He wants what’s best for us, it becomes a simple act of love and worship to follow Him and His ways.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on May 28, 2015 at 2:11 pm
Thanks for this Tom. Today I was listening again to the incredible testimony of Shiela Walsh. She got into the habit of saying “yes” to God and “yes” to people, but it was out of a fear of letting God and people down and eventually resulted in a mental and emotional breakdown. She only found true freedom when she realized didn’t have to say “yes” out of fear, but rather out of love for her Heavenly Father, who loves her regardless of her failings and weaknesses.
dandrev28 on May 28, 2015 at 10:59 am
We are worried to a lot of things that’s why we ended up saying NO; bombarded by current situations, i.e. family, friends, work, so on and so forth. We forgot, on the first place the reason why we accepted Jesus Christ in our lives. Saying NO, when God calls is a no, no. When I fully understand the word Christianity, I felt that there’s no room for saying NO specially when it is about Jesus ministry.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on May 28, 2015 at 2:14 pm
That’s so true dandrev28. We either say “yes” to everyone out of obligation and end up feeling overwhelmed, or we get into the habit of saying “no” to everyone, even God. May God readjust our view of Him and may He help us default to saying “yes” to Him.