Yes and No

How do you feel about saying no? “No, I don’t have time.” “No, I’m too tired.” “No, I can’t do that right now.” Do those statements sound a little selfish to you? That tiny word “no” can be one of the hardest things to say because, for many people, it comes with baggage. When they hear a “no”, they hear things like “I don’t like you” or “You’re not worth my time.” But it is vital that we allow the Lord to redeem that word for us! “No” can be a space-creating, life-giving word that makes way for a great big “Yes!” in His time. Don’t give little bits of your day away just because you feel guilty. Give your time with freedom and purpose! When you have to say no, let your answer be filled with gentleness and grace. God will do the rest. Just keep your eyes on Him.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6 NIV)

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 NIV)

All you need to say is simply “Yes” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37 NIV)

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)

Jesus, I look to You for the courage to say “no” when I need to and “yes” when the time is right.

This is an excerpt from Less Hustle, More Jesus by Shanna Noel - a devotional book released by DaySpring publishing.  Learn more about this book, or shop other books & devotionals from DaySpring.