Part Two: Keep Saying Yes

The past few months have been a blurred mess of confusion, fear, and doubt of the unknown. But the beautiful thing about uncertainty is that we seek understanding greater than our own. We are so aware of our inadequacy that we have no other choice than to seek out Jesus, our Helper and Comforter. Once we come to the end of ourselves, we begin a new life in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God’s plan for our life is so good, trustworthy, and greater than the best dream we can have for ourselves! He lovingly beckons us to say “yes” to His plan for our life. Finding a new life with God is a beautiful gift, and each day is a new opportunity to say “yes” and receive that gift from the Lord.

As a little girl, my grandpa would always ask me who I wanted to be when I grew up. My answers varied between teacher, mother, nurse, doctor, and missionary. I loved to dream about what my life would look like once I grew up. And now as a young adult, just graduated from college, I find myself still dreaming of what my life will look like in the future. I thought, “Once I finished high school, then I’ll start my life of ministry.” And then I thought, “once I graduate college, then I’ll start doing ministry.” Why do I keep pushing my life and my calling into the future? Perhaps I feel inadequate or ill equipped and unprepared. But I desperately want to participate in the life God has for me! A small, gentle whisper says, “Just say yes.” Jesus had to remind me that life with God is here and now. A leader with Ten2, Bob Gonzalez, reminded me this past week of this truth, “Don’t be in a hurry too much that you might miss what opportunities God has for you now…” Yes, I need that even now.

Obedience is essential to saying yes to God. Taking the next step of obedience creates movement. Once you start going, then God will direct you on the path he has for you. Saying “yes” means taking that first step. And our yes to God looks different for each one of us. For me, saying yes to God right now means depending on Him moment by moment, searching for opportunities to share God’s truth with my coworkers. It is being aware of God’s presence and leading in my day-to-day life. I asked a few other Ten2 participates to share what saying “yes” to God looked like for them this summer:

“For me, saying yes to God this summer has been a lot of waiting, and being still in His presence. It’s been difficult, because typically I like to be going, and getting stuff done. But in this season, God has been teaching me to say yes to Him in a powerful way; saying yes to wait on Him and His timing.” – Lawrence McMath

“Saying yes to God this summer meant giving up my plans in change for His. Instead of serving students in England, I am serving students in my local church. Instead of making new friendships, I am strengthening the ones I already have. Even in my lowest points this season, the Lord is drawing me closer to Himself.” – Rebekah Briles

If you keep reading in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, you will see that just as God reconciled us to himself, so we all have been entrusted with that same message of reconciliation. This is our calling and purpose, stepping forward in obedience and sharing who Jesus is to us. For we are his ambassadors, bringing His presence with us wherever we go. A vibrant and exciting life with God starts right here and right now. We had our own plans of going to Europe this summer, but God had better plans for us here at home. God invites us each day to say “yes” and step out in faith. Life with Christ is simply taking the next step of obedience. When we say “yes” to God, our lives will never be the same.

– Clarissa Harvey, Ten2 2020 Participant & Storyteller