A Yes When No Made Better Sense

Happy Monday everyone!  Christmas week has finally arrived, and our Sunday sermon recap shines a different light on the Christmas story.  Lately, our sermons have been about dealing with the no’s that life can throw at you.  This Sunday, pastor made us think about times when it made more sense to say” no” but “yes” was our reply.

I’m guilty of telling people “yes” frequently.  I may not have the money, but I’ll buy food for someone that’s in need.  My time may be short, but I’ll stop what I’m doing to help someone else complete a task.  Stopping may make me late for the next scheduled activity, but I’ll do it because I want to be a help.

On the flip side, we know that I can be hesitant to give God a “yes.”  The “yes” could be the most logical step, but you know it takes me a minute.  I really contemplate my “yes” when “no” is the option that makes more sense to me.

In Sunday’s sermon, pastor spoke about Mary and her willingness to say “yes” to God’s will for her life when “no” made so much more sense.  According to research, Mary was likely between the ages of 12-14 when the angel came and informed her that she would be the mother of Jesus.

Naturally, Mary questioned how this was even going to be a possibility.  She feels compelled to let the angel know that, even though she is engaged, she has never been with a man in that way.  She is curious about how this conception would come to be.  God is not threatened by her curiosity or her questions.  The angel explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and voila…she will be impregnated with the Word.

When Mary was initially impregnated, no one looking at her knew what a gift she had inside of her.  But Mary knew.  She fed and nurtured Jesus, and the living Word began to grow.  As the Word grew inside of her, others around could look and see the physical change that was happening with her.  She looked different.  She was becoming different.

It wasn’t enough for the Word to grow inside of her.  Yes, it was changing her, but God didn’t send Jesus just to change her.  He sent Jesus to change the world.  Mary goes through labor and the Word comes pouring out of her.  I’m sure the labor was difficult.  And definitely not pretty.  But it was necessary.

Mary could have said “no.”  She was engaged to a good guy.  Her life was set on a path.  “No” actually made the most sense.  But she said “yes.”  She chose a path that wasn’t even on her radar.  God could have chosen anyone, but He chose her.  The Word that God has planted in you is not just for you.  He wants to free you and everyone around you.  Share the Word even when it’s uncomfortable.  Share the Word even when it’s not in your plans for the day.  Be the person who says “yes” when no makes better sense.  #wepreach