Say Yes to God
Yesterday during our worship service I felt so convicted by Holy Spirit, about always saying ”No” to Him.
I mean I don’t literally say “No” to Him, but my actions, my decisions, my direction is generally always in the opposite direction then from His prompting, when I really think about it.
I want to say “Yes,” and there are times I even do, but even then, it comes out, “No.” I’m reluctant, uncertain, hesitant, cautious. I don’t know why. It’s not as if He’s ever left me hanging, or put me in a dangerous predicament. He’s never lied to me or misled me. Of anybody, you’d think I’d be totally open to His leading. I don’t have any cause to be wary.
Well, I thought about that today as I was reading the Word. Sometimes yesterday’s convictions are explained the next day or the following days through things we notice. Their highlighted for us and we’re made more aware of things – they just stand out.
After yesterday, what I read today made perfect sense. Here it is,
“Ruth answered, ‘I’ll do whatever you say!” —Ruth 3:5
Let me put it into context for you. Ruth is a young widow, living with her mother-in-law, Naomi, in a strange country, working out in the fields of her mother-in-law’s, husbands relative, Boaz (hope that’s not too confusing).
Ruth and her husband never had any children to carry on the family name before he died. Back then, one of the relatives would need to marry Ruth and have children to keep the family name going. Naomi tells Ruth to follow this relative Boaz after being out in the fields all day without being seen. After he goes to bed that night, she’s supposed to lay down at his feet – a sign of submission. At first it sounds a bit weird, but it’s part of the custom of the time. There’s nothing sexual here or immoral.
Boaz notices her and in the end the two of them get married and have a son to carry on the family name. As a matter of fact… this son born will be the the grandfather of King David and the great ancestor of our Savior, Jesus. Just think of what might not have happened had Ruth said “No” to Naomi’s request. See how important it is to say “Yes” to Holy Spirit?
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today
I don’t know what’s happening in your life: the decisions you need to make, the directions you’re looking at taking, or the things you battle.
But, I do know that it’s time for you and for me to stop saying “No” to Holy Spirit. Let’s start saying “Yes”, and see what He’ll do through us. Let’s join Ruth in saying, “I’ll do whatever You say!”
Father,
Forgive me for always saying “No” to You. Holy Spirit convict my heart and grant me a willing spirit to say, “I’ll do whatever You say!” In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
—Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
