When God Asks For A Yes
By Maria Koshute,
Over the last few months we’ve had to say a lot of nos. No to going out, no to the normal routine, no to parties and get togethers, even no to spending time with family.. So many nos we’ve had to say in order to protect ourselves, our relationships, and our communities. We’ve said no for the sake of prudence and safety.
In this weird time in history, we are beginning to find safety in the no itself. What happens then, if in the midst of this unpredictable pandemic, in the chaos of our time, we find God asking us to say yes to something? Maybe it’s a move, a job, a relationship, an outreach. Maybe it’s simply a new approach to something we’ve always done a certain way. In a fortress of nos we’ve had to build, will we have the courage to say yes?
Saying yes to taking a next step is intimidating in even the best of times. Bereft of familiar circumstances, assumptions, and rhythms, taking a step forward in our life or a different turn of direction may feel excruciatingly risky. We don’t even have familiarity to bolster our confidence, to strengthen our perception of safety.
Walking on water was never safe. Peter certainly realized, in his human estimation, all of the things that could go wrong. But when the Lord beckoned, he took that step. Hearing the Lord’s call gave Him the impetus to move. When he realized he might not be safe, that this all seemed crazy, he began to flounder.
Maybe Jesus is calling you to say yes to something today, asking you to get out of the boat, to take a step in faith towards His good will for you. But the winds of the world threaten your confidence; after all, you want to stay in the boat, to stay safe. You want to measure it all up, to count the cost, predict when the storms and choppy seas will dissipate and wait for the winds to pass, until it seems safer and surer.
“Ask Jesus what He wants of you, and be brave” - Pope Francis
Is there a yes that the Lord is inviting you to? A surrender to deeper uncertainty instead of worldly security?
If you are certain of the call, you can be certain of the security. If you say yes, He’ll be there on the water and waves, biding you to “Take courage, it is I.”
Find His voice, follow its lead. In good times, in bad times, in upheaval, in chaos. Utter a yes while taking that step. “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
