Part 4: ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOD’S “YES”
A year ago, I started a series, “Why Don’t We Ask God for What We Want?” Here’s a summary of the three installments:
- Part 1-Ask God even when we know he already knows.
- Part 2-Take a breath to clear chaos from our prayer.
- Part 3-Present all our concerns to God, big and small.
It’s time to add a new installment.
Over the past year, I’ve complained that I couldn’t do something I needed to do. I didn’t have the proper tools because they were exorbitantly expensive or unavailable. How could I do what was expected without them? I continually failed. I was indignant, even bitter, especially when others had access to the tools.
But all that changed. I received the tools I requested. They arrived on the same day from different sources. That wasn’t a coincidence; it was an answer to my prayer. Ironically, receiving what I’ve prayed for scared me. A lot. Almost to the point of inaction. God provided, but I was afraid to accept. Now that I had what I prayed for, was I ready to move forward?
Failure to Ask #4: Not Ready to Accept God’s “Yes”
Have you been afraid, reluctant, stymied by God’s answer to your prayer, specifically when God gives you what you asked for? Why? Why does getting what you want from God cause you to pause?
God’s “Yes” = Responsibility
It’s easy to say you can’t because you don’t have. It’s easy to blame something or someone else for your inability to perform. But when God provides the “Yes,” the narrative changes. God’s answered prayer removes the obstacles. God’s provision puts the responsibility to act squarely on YOU. You can’t remain idle, complaining and wishing. God and you are a partnership. God provided so you can do what you couldn’t in the past. God’s “Yes” becomes the motivation. With God, you can no longer say, “I can’t.”
God’s “Yes” = Gratitude
For one family Christmas gift exchange, I presented my recipient with a gift certificate to an upscale day spa. A week later, her husband returned the gift to me. Imagine my astonishment, chagrin, hurt, and anger. Now imagine God answering your prayer, and you refusing it. How does that impact your relationship with God?
Let the “Yes” be an opportunity to strengthen your relationship, not distance it. Be grateful for the gift. Give thanks that God heard and answered your prayer. Pray for wisdom as you use the gift. Allow God to guide and move you forward. Continue to rely on God. Be grateful that God is using your “Yes” for his glory.
God’s “Yes” = Movement
Accepting the “Yes” means you can no longer hide behind excuses. Don’t be like the invalid man Jesus healed by the pool Bethsaida. When Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed, he never answered; he only made excuses for why he wasn’t healed. (John 5:1-9) Likewise, I gave excuses for failing. God’s “Yes” replaces excuses with forward movement.
You can’t stay where you are and succeed. John 5:8 gives three actions to take when you are blessed with a “Yes.”
- ARISE. Stop wallowing in the “I can’t.” Quit languishing in the “I wish I could.” Shake off the chains that kept you stuck. Prepare yourself to move.
- PICK UP. Take stock of what you’ve been given. Gather your tools. Plan your next step. Boldly accept what God has given.
- MOVE OUT: Step out on the faith that provided the “Yes.” Advance with what God has provided. Be a living witness of answered prayers.
Reflection
A common theme I’ve been hearing in sermons and Bible study lessons is that when God provides, He also prepares the way forward. The faith you had to seek God’s blessing or intervention is the same faith to accept that blessing. How will you respond when God gives you what you ask for?
Are you prepared to accept God’s “Yes?”
