Stepping Out In Faith vs Saying ‘No’ To God
Struggling, struggling, struggling. I don’t know why life is such a struggle. Can’t I just sit back in my cozy home surrounded by family and comfort? Okay, so I’ll go to work then I can come home and relax, can’t I?
I deserve the rest. I deserve the quiet.
But the prodding. Oh, my sweet soul. Rest within me again. Leave me be. I am saying ‘No’.
No to the nagging, no to the ideas and strange call to the unfamiliar.
I am saying ‘No’ to God.
God in the heavens above. And it scares me. Puts a chill down into my soul. I want to cry. But I am so weary. And I don’t know why, because I’ve been resting. I’ve been doing just what I said above … coming home and sitting on my couch and enjoying my comfort.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”0oWN9″ via=”yes” ]Have you ever said ‘no’ to God? Laura has…[/ctt]
Have You Ever Said ‘No’ To God?
Perhaps, Wisdom says, calling to me … whispering for fear of reprieve, where God is calling you is the rest you seek. It may look like work and trial and something that you are not comfortable with but it is for the better, the best, the good.
And I whisper back, maybe. Guide me. But please be gentle. I feel the weariness of the world and it’s weighing me down. My house calls to me of comfort and safety.
Stepping Out In Faith
I will take a little step in faith. Will you meet me, Father? Prayerfully. I will read your Word so I know it’s you who calls me forward, and also rest within these Words as it is the only place that lifts my burdens and truly eases life’s toil.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)
These words speak, not of luxury and gratification, but of a job, perhaps, undone. Glorying in tribulation … instead of running and hiding. He is our covering. He is our place of refuge as we march forward.
Jesus Is Calling
Perhaps God calling you also to an unexpected place. Have you said no or yes to His gentle whisper? Has the call gotten louder and louder, turning to a not so gentle crashing down of what was held too tightly?
Join me in turning our No’s into Maybe’s and with faith fed by God’s Word, moving forward with trust in God’s faithfulness, to confidently change our answers to Yes!
For God is not looking for us to be comfortable, but building our character to make a difference in our homes, our communities, and the world.
I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
(Isaiah 6:8)
[ctt template=”2″ link=”_BkfE” via=”yes” ]”Here I am Lord, send me.” [/ctt]
Where Does Today Find You?
Are in the middle of arguing with God about something? Is He calling you to take a step of faith? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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Ah, taking those steps of faith is scary and uncomfortable, but when we do, it is really a blessing. I love how you said, where God is calling you is the rest you seek, even if it looks like work. So often I have found when I follow Him, He gives me the rest I need even if it doesn’t seem like a restful place to be. Thanks for your thoughts!
Thank you, Katie. Great insight also. ♡
Whenever God prompts me to do something I don’t want to do, I buck against it for a few seconds and then always obey. That initial bucking is my flesh. I ask God to do the impossible or hard thing through me, and He does! (The reason I resist initially is that it’s hard or impossible, what God is asking. I keep forgetting that He’s the one who will do it!)
Amen. Good reminder that out flesh needs to fall in line. Love that you check yourself and pause.
Definitely finding myself in a season of asking God to clarify my priorities, and being asked to step outside of my comfort zone, but not totally sure of the specific next steps. This was such an encouragement to keep seeking and keep letting go! Thank you Laura!
Thank you for commenting. It’s good to realize others are in the same place we find ourselves in. ♡
This can be a hard as some of the tasks God asks of us are HARD! It definitely doesn’t always feel restful but it will move us towards growth and that will help to cultivate rest in our spirit.
Amen! We always find our help and His presence there.
I said “yes” to God a few years ago and then when it got hard I wanted to say no. Saying yes has grown me and lead me to step out of my comfort zone! He knows what I need!
So true. We need a push sometimes. 🙂
I think that sometimes God gives us choices and we can say no without fear that we are disobeying Him. But I do think that we are reluctant to leave our comfort zones. At least I know I am.
That’s so true. I’m glad He is a good Father to us with so much patience. Thanks for commenting, Alice.
I have definitely said “no” to God but have often wondered, “Did I miss out?” afterward.
Me too! I’m trying to say yes more often. 🙂
This is so good, and comes right after i said no to something. I knew I had to, but in a small way it didn’t make sense… and I wanted to hold onto what was “seen”. But I don’t trust the “seen”, and I know He will be my refuge.
Ugh. I’ve said no to, all too many times. Hope He keeps giving us chances, even if those places are scary.
“For God is not looking for us to be comfortable, but building our character to make a difference in our homes, our communities, and the world.” Yes the nations are going to lift His name on High when we become the living gospels of Jesus Christ.
And when we say, send me Lord, the coal is burning and cleansing us.
Amm. This was a blessing to me! Thank you for sharing. ♡
I’m with you Laura! I’m a homebody, an introvert, and person of comfort. I get anxious about new surroundings and circumstances… but I am to overcome. He has overcome all of these obstacles. He made me who I am, and has guaranteed provision. He calls me, so there is provision for my answer! Thank you for your encouragement!
Introverts unite. 🙂 Lets pray God causes a bold spirit to rise in us. ♡
Always say yes to God
Amen.