The Whispered Yes

No, thank you.

Thanks for the invite, but I can’t.

I’ll have to get back to you on that.

Sorry, we’re busy.

No. Just no.

I like saying no because I’ve got a lot of cozy things going on. Like, my zone, people. You know what I’m talking about because you’ve got one, too.

The Comfort Zone.

Blessed are the comfortable. As hard as I squeeze my eyes and wish, it’s just not in there. 
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Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven … Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Matthew 5:10-11).
No, thanks.                                            
Sigh.

Sometimes we forget this: Even Jesus pled with His Father for a different, easier path. Christ wasn’t excited about the cross. Scripture is clear. He came to the Father on the night of betrayal, fell on the ground, and prayed for a less brutal option:
“… going a little farther, he (Jesus) fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.  And he said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will’” (Matthew 26:39).

Ultimately, though, Jesus sought obedience over comfort. Obedience meant suffering in ways we’ll never know. Ever. And He did that for us. For silly, self-centered, petty me. The one who complains about long lines at the grocery store and my sticky kitchen floor. The one who deserves nothing but has been freely given everything because Christ obeyed the Father’s will. Because Christ stepped into brutally uncomfortable territory for me.

And the cross was the Father’s will, so Christ submitted. He obeyed perfectly. Sometimes, we aren’t excited or enthused about the path He’s called us to. Obedience isn’t about excitement; it’s about surrender.

Unlike Christ, we’re sinners. I don’t always obey my Father’s will. God, through His Spirit, opens my eyes to the path: what to do, where to go, what to say to this person, how He’d like me to forgive that one. And it’s going to be hard. So, maybe I choose to stay in the Comfort Zone and reply with a No, thanks.

There is no blessing there. I can tell you that. It’s easy, but it’s not blessed. Disobedience never is.

So, instead, I close my eyes and whisper, Okay. If You say so. If you really want me to. I’m scared, and I don’t want to do this. I can’t do this. But, yes. 

Yes.

Me and Jesus. You and Jesus.
Yes.

Word of the Day: Yet not what I will, but what you will. (Matthew 26:39)

Prayer: Father, You know. You know my weakness, my frailty, my fear. You know these things and love me through them. You’ve placed things before me and ask me to do this work for Your sake and glory. Hear me, Lord. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might face discomfort with Your courage. With You, I can do all things. Thank You, Jesus, for being the perfect model. And thank You for walking each step with me. In Your precious name, Amen.

Author:  Melissa Bronson

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