Giving God Your “Yes”
Dec 01, 2016
Advent is a time when we recognize the gift of Jesus Christ. But consider another gift born of this season: that of an opportunity.
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’”
Luke 1:38
Mary believed the Messiah was coming, but it wasn’t until she was told that she would be the mother of the Savior that she was given a unique, powerful opportunity for her faith to be tested, and for her trust in God to blossom.
Trust is something slow-growing. Deep, rooted trust in God results from a series of faithful yeses to Him, by which His provision and plan can unfold, however slowly or swiftly.
Mary’s faith is something we deeply admire, especially during this season. What is so moving about her faith, though, is the action it required.
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, she was not without questions. In Luke 1, it’s written that “she was greatly troubled,” at first, at being called “favored.” And she asked, when told she would conceive and bear a son, how that was possible, seeing as she was a virgin. There was discernment there – a desire to know that this was truly God’s intention coming to light.
It’s important to remember that Mary so openly revealed her reservations. It’s strange territory for all us of, as it was for her, to be in the space between the knowledge of what God wants, and the feelings that rise up as a result. Fear, uncertainty, doubt – even excitement. It’s okay to feel all of these emotions at one time.
It’s especially okay to feel excitement, because oftentimes, what God call us to is what we have deeply desired for ourselves all along. He has given us all such potential, and planted the seeds of dreams and goals and purpose.
But trust, like those dreams coming to fruition, is slow-growing. Trust comes from consistent acts of faith, big and small. Sometimes there are questions like Mary’s – probing ones, to make sure this is the right path. There’s nothing wrong with that; in prayer counseling, this is all part of finding God’s purpose for you. But the first act of faith is that of saying “yes” to God, and to His call for you.
Choices are Faith in Action
I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me. Mary didn’t have to say these words to God. Though was not in the nature of Mary’s character to refuse – which God certainly must have considered – she had the ability to choose to do so. She could have chosen to stay deeply troubled at such a request that would affect her reputation – not to mention, her family’s, her fiancé’s, and that of his family, too – and the rest of her life.
But our ability to choose is valuable to God. And as an act of her faith in and love for Him, Mary responded to God’s call with a wholehearted “yes.”
Imagine what release and apprehension there must have been in her spirit then. What excitement, and curiosity. And above all, what deep peace, and freedom, at finding that sweet spot – an alignment between God’s intentions and her actions.
When God wants your “yes,” it feels like this. Where you have the opportunity to serve Him, you also have the opportunity to find freedom that transcends your circumstances and status.
Prayer Counseling and Saying Yes to God
This season, as we move into a new year, there are new opportunities before each of us to allow more of God’s presence and purpose in our lives. Seeking prayer counseling to fully understand your purpose, your calling, and your journey could be part of it. Where in your journey is God just waiting for your “yes”? What can you allow Him to give you by taking a step of faith?
Trust vs. Faith – how can prayer counseling help you trust God more deeply?
