Hey readers! I just want to stop by and share a quote with you all that I came across.
“Carefully count the cost of your ‘yes’ and remember the world doesn’t end if you say ‘no’.”
- Natalie Lauren Sims
This is so profound! I’ve found that I sometimes make decisions or take on responsibilities without considering the cost that accompanies them (my peace, my mental health, my rest physically/spiritually, etc.). When asked to do or be a part of something, I feel an obligation to that person/group/organization to jump on board and say “yes”. I rarely pause to consider what it’ll cost me in the long run.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this. I believe many of us have a tendency of saying “yes” and haven’t practiced much of saying “no”.
Despite what society may teach us, just because someone asks doesn’t mean that we have to say “yes”...just because someone is interested doesn’t mean that we have to say “yes”...and just because a great opportunity is presented doesn’t mean that it’s a great opportunity for us to say “yes” to.
Yes. Not every opportunity is one that should be taken. Pray about it, fam.
The world won’t stop turning just because you say “no”. Their plans won’t stop just because you can’t jump on board. Learn to say “no”.
Before deciding, seek guidance. Pray and ask God to lead your every decision. He will show you the way to go and the answers to give.
“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalms 32:8 NLT
“I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.”
Psalms 32:8 HCSB
“and whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.””
Isaiah 30:21 HCSB
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.””
Luke 12:12 HCSB
We know that the Holy Spirit teaches us what to say when we witness but He also teaches what to say in every situation and encounter. God is concerned with every area of our lives. He desires to be involved with each decision we make, not just “ministry decisions”.
Remember what the Word tells us in Galatians 5:
“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in EVERY PART of our lives.”
Galatians 5:25 NLT
Something I’m having to learn is every good idea isn’t a God idea and that there are people assigned to me, I can’t take on everyone.
By that I mean, just because someone asks me to do something and it may be positive, doesn’t mean that that’s what God has called me to.
And yes, I am to witness with my life to everyone I encounter, but I’m not Superwoman and I’m definitely not Jesus. Contrary to popular belief, I can’t be out here being everything to everyone saving every soul in the world.
Yeah. I said it!
I have to pray and ask God Who He has assigned to me and what He has called me to do in each situation...I have to seek Him about who He has called me to simply plant seed into and who He has called me to water and cultivate.
Just because I’m busy doing good doesn’t mean that I’m necessarily doing God’s work. I have to include Him in all of my decision-making and in every deed so that I don’t end up doing in vain.