We must be positioned to say yes to what God wants us to do. Some no's are necessary.
Think of the ten virgins with the oil. When five of them ran out of oil and wanted to borrow oil from the other five, who wisely brought extra oil with them their no answer positioned the five with the extra oil to be in place. (See Matthew 25:1-13)
No can be the placement factor, while yes can displace us and cause us to miss opportunities. We must consider our answers wisely.
The Lord dropped this into my Spirit years ago and it made an impact in my life:
"While it may be a good thing, if it’s not a God thing, (my assignment), no is an appropriate answer."
Just remember, while it is a good thing it may not be a good thing for you. That's why the response of, "Let me pray about it before I give you an answer," is a great response. If they can't wait for you to hear from God, then no is the immediate answer. God is not in a rush!
There is power in NO. No explanations. Just NO!
Why?
Because a casual yes may cause you to position yourself to give a God thing a NO!
Every yes could mean saying no to something important. And every no can be preparing you for a yes to something important.
Remember this:
No is a complete sentence. We can get tripped up on trying to explain.
If what you're asked to do isn't moving, you in the direction of your God given purpose then your answer is clear. It's not my assignment.
Saying yes when you really want to say no should no longer be an option. You're not out to prove anything to anyone. Nor are you looking for validation or acceptance from people. God already covered that.
Pray for discernment to know when to say yes and when to say no!
Meditate on these Scriptures to help you decision your decision-making process align with where God is taking you:
“Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!” (Proverbs 3:6-7 MSG)
“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, this is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 AMPC)
"Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, for I have believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to) Your commandments." (Psalm 119:66 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated from the Vault of LWM)