“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20
The day was December 28, 1998. Jose and I were on the Kookaburra River Queens authentic paddle wheeler. He had come for a few weeks from Maryland, USA to come visit me and my family in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. I wanted him to enjoy the Brisbane river and have a nice view of the city by night and what better way than on this famous River Cruise. It was a beautiful night, the food and music was great. Before the dessert came, we went outside to walk around the boat and view the city.
I remember Jose began telling me how wonderful it was to be together. When he was in the middle of asking me to marry him, I said “Yes!” He didn’t get a chance to get on one knee, be all poetic, or even open the box with the ring inside. I was so sure God had blessed my life with Jose that I knew he was the one for me. I did not need to see the ring in the box to know that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
Have you ever been so sure of something, that you don’t have to wait, you can just say “yes!”?
I know many of you have said yes to ministry and you know with all your heart that this is where God wants you to be. But God will continue calling you throughout your life, so keep your eyes, ears and heart open to the possibilities God has in store for you.
If we have a great relationship with Him, we will be ready to say Yes to Him. We won’t be afraid to say Yes! By saying yes, we will see many blessings come our way.
The Bible if full of stories of individuals that said Yes to Jesus.
When Moses said ‘Yes’ to help lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he had no idea he would help part the red sea, see manna fall from the sky, see water flow from a rock, see the finger of God write the ten commandments, and see so many wonders God had in store for him.
When Ruth said ‘Yes’, she never imagined being blessed and remarried after the loss of her husband, be the great-grandmother of David, and be part of the lineage of Jesus.
When Elijah said ‘Yes’, I am sure at the time when he said Yes to God, he did not think that he would do miracles, see fire fall from the sky, have ravens bring him food, and ride a horse and chariot of fire.
When Mary, the mother of Jesus said ‘Yes’ at a very young age, she had no idea what it would be like to be the mother of the Messiah, see Him perform miracles, see Him crucified and resurrect. See the love and compassion in his eyes. Be a lady so many have admired.
When Peter said ‘Yes’ to follow Jesus, he never imagined he would be following the Messiah, see amazing miracles, the storm be calmed by 3 words – Peace be still – , heal the sick, walk on water, see Jesus ascend to heaven, walk out of a prison and bring many to the feet of Jesus.
When Paul said ‘Yes’ to Jesus, he never thought his life would impact so many with the teaching of the grace of God, be blind and receive his sight, survive a shipwreck and the bite of a poisonous snake.
There are many more stories in the Bible of people who were ready and willing to say ‘Yes’ to Jesus. These are just a few. Not every moment was a joyous, pain free, stress free, moment.
Saying yes, does not automatically mean everything is picture perfect. But they knew that through every trial, every moment of despair, God would never leave them. They had their hope and trust in the One that lead them to a greater purpose than their own. The One who knows us better than ourselves.
But there is also a story in the Bible of a man, whose name we do not know, he was given the opportunity to follow Jesus but said no. This man was the rich young ruler.
He could have been one of the disciples but whenever we mention this young man, he will always be remembered as the one that walked away from Jesus. The one who couldn’t say Yes.
When I said ‘Yes’ to Jose, I never imagined a life full of blessings . Two beautiful kids, a life in ministry where I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people, travel and see new places, be able to share God’s love with those around me, and be used and led by God. It is not always perfect, but I know God is there to help me through any situation that comes my way because I know I have a powerful, awesome God that loves me.
Jesus is asking you today to follow Him. You may not know what to expect, but you can be sure it will be a life full of surprises, miracles and blessings.
Don’t be afraid to follow his lead at any time throughout your life.
He can call you to start a new ministry
call you to create positive habits
call you to invest your time, money and resources in a new venture
call you to mentor someone
Whatever it may be, ask Him to help you be ready and willing to say Yes.
When Jesus calls you, don’t be afraid to say yes because the benefits out weigh the risks.
Remember, You do not need to be perfect. You do not need to speak with eloquence, play an instrument, or wear an expensive suit. All you need to do is say “Yes!” Be willing, no matter what may come your way, to follow Jesus with all your heart. When you say “Yes” it will change your life forever!
And if we have already said yes, enjoy the blessings. There may be times that you will face struggles, and feel overwhelmed and even doubt why you said yes, but just remember that God will never leave you. You may not see the blessing right away, but ask Him to open your eyes and heart to be able to see the purpose, the reason He asked you to do what you are doing. His promises are true, He never fails.
We want to see miracles, see lives transformed, see the amazing things we can do through Him who gives us strength. Let us be willing to say YES!
My prayer today is to be like:
Moses – no matter the long journey, the complaints of those around me that I may continue to say Yes
Ruth – no matter the hardships, the hard work, the gossips of people I don’t even know, that I may continue to say Yes
Elijah – To have the courage to stand up to Kings, Queens & Rulers for God. But if there comes a moment that I am feeling depressed, discouraged and losing faith that God will give me the strength to continue saying Yes
Mary – no matter the dirty looks and the criticisms of those who do not know my true intentions that I may continue to say Yes
Peter – if I am faced with death because of the gospel, that I may continue to say Yes
Paul – no matter the persecutions or if individuals in the church are saying that I am not a true disciple. That I may continue to say Yes.
Yes! with the same excitement I said to Jose the day he proposed and the day we got married.
Yes, to the Joy no matter the pain
Yes, to the Courage no matter the fear
Yes, to see the Blessings no matter the struggles,
yes, to the desire to be more the Him no matter the cost.
Are you ready for a life full of excitement, blessings, miracles, hope & love? Say Yes!
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” – Matthew 19:21
