“… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death…” Philippians 3:10

The Thundering “No”

Sometimes we just have to say no to some things, so that our yes means something. We have to exhale the old and inhale the new. We have to crucify the flesh so the spirit can live. We can’t have it both ways.

I say no to the shallows of merely knowing about God, and yes to experiencing the depths of Him.

I say no to the indecision in making a commitment, and yes to identification with Him.

I say no to wishful thinking, and yes to the firm hope that is in Him.

I say no to saving my reputation, and yes to laying my life down for Him.

I say no to deception and lies, and yes to the truth of the Word of God.

I say no to the ways of the world, and yes to life in Christ.

I say no to discouragement, and yes to patience with His process.

I say no to fear, and yes to the courage that comes with trusting the Almighty One.

I say no to living my life as I see best, and yes to being found hidden in Him by faith.

I say a thundering no to lesser pursuits, and a roaring, reverberating yes to passionately seeking God in this life.

I say yes to whatever it takes to fully turn my eyes upon Jesus, and yes to any process necessary to purify me, to teach me to worship in Spirit and in truth, and to make the meditations of my heart acceptable to Him. I say yes to His pruning, yes to His correction, yes to His discipline, yes to His fences and walls that surround me.

I say yes to fervency of spirit, no matter what others may think of me. I say yes to holiness, no matter how the world may disdain me. I say yes to loss, if only I may gain Christ. I say yes to suffering, if it allows me to know Him in His sufferings. I say yes to weakness, if it teaches me His resurrection power.

I say yes to Christ, and His narrow road, and no to the wide way of this world.

This is my confession. So be it.

“Our Father, make us thirsty for You in this life, that we may come to Your waters and drink. Teach us the “yesses” and “noes” of a life hidden in You. On the day You call us home, may we be found entrenched in You, firmly attached, still seeking for more of You. May we never be complacent, as if we had already attained, but may we ever be committed to pressing on in passionate pursuit of You, by the work of Your Holy Spirit in each of us. In Jesus’ Name, and for His glory, Amen.”