The Only “YES” That Matters
As a new Christian communicator, I struggled with the call.
In fact, it took about 5 years for me to quiet the tension between doubting my ability and giving God my availability. I was a slow learner.
Secretly, even after I said yes, I struggled with the “nos” I got from other people.
“No, we don’t need more books on that topic.”
“No, we would like to see your platform or email list grow to increase your reach.”
“No, I’m not able to collaborate with you.”
The “Nos” we receive will never nullify God’s call. He planned good works for us long ago – before we answered His call or knew how to build a platform. (See Ephesians 2:10)
The beauty of His plan is this, “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete” (2 Corinthians 1:20-22 MSG).
The Message Bible paraphrase of this verse reveals the only “Yes” that matters. It’s the “Yes” of Jesus. He is completely reliable and worthy of our trust. As we place faith in Him for our salvation, God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his “Yes” within us.
In saying that, we must remember our journey is uniquely ours. It won’t be the same as someone else’s. Whatever mode of creativity we utilize: print, video, or microphone, our ability may come with the opinions of others.
Although other people may assess us, we can trust God to affirm us.
Even Paul’s call to ministry faced scrutiny. In 2 Corinthians 1, the believers in Corinth hastily misjudged his approach toward God’s calling. I imagine Paul clung to God’s promises to encourage himself. Here are a few of God’s yeses we can cling to today.
“Yes, I love you and created you for my glory.” (Romans 5:8 and Revelation 4:11)
“Yes, your gift will make room for itself.” (Proverbs 18:16)
“Yes, I open doors no one can shut, and I shut doors no one can open.” (Revelation 3:6-7)
Is there a “yes” on this list you need to believe? For everything He requires, with every turn in our circumstances, God has an enduring promise. “By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.” (2 Corinthians 1:22).
For everything He requires, with every turn in our circumstances, God has an enduring promise.
God’s promises won’t fail.
His timing isn’t off.
His resources will never run out.
God’s “Yes” is enough and it’s the ONLY “Yes” that matters.
Reflection:
“God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us” (2 Corinthians 1:21). Which promise of God are you sure of today?
For more encouragement check out our YouVersion Devotionals.
About the Author
Joy A. Williams is a writer and speaker who is amazed that her first name became her life’s mission. Through emotional struggles in her teen years, she learned God’s joy is an empowering gift — even when life looks different than our goals. In addition to her “Joy to the Soul” blog, her writing is also featured on Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 app and in her YouVersion Bible reading plans. For over 20 years, she has served on Women’s Ministry leadership and teaching teams. Her passion is helping women live their joy stories when living by faith is a challenge. She loves seeing life unfold with her husband Brady and their adult son.
