Saying "Yes"

12/20/2010

Good Morning!

My Methodist coworker and I were talking last Friday about the live Nativity her church is performing tonight. She is going to be serving hot chocolate for those who want some. The talk around the church is about the live camel the preacher has arranged to have. But she also shared that some have asked about where the money is coming from to fund this adventure … as well as the Fall festival. Neither of these activities were funded in the budget for 2010 … but that was passed under the previous preacher who didn’t endorse such activities. It got me to thinking about what ifs …

What if Abraham had told God “No”? God told Abraham to leave the comforts of family and familiarity to go to a place that God would show him. Imagine God asking you to do that! Oh, of course, God has called many missionaries to leave there home and go to where He led them … but what about you? What would have happened if Abraham had said no to God and stayed in Ur?

What would have happened if Joseph had decided to get back at his brothers for selling them into slavery? Joseph certainly would have been justified – wouldn’t he? Suppose he acted like some who have been “wronged” in the church and either let his family starve or killed them off directly?

What would have happened if Mary had refused to carry the Christ child? She had plenty of reason to object. God was asking a whole lot of her … wasn’t He? What if she just said “No”?

I could go on with the “what ifs” … but the facts are that these folks did not say “No” to God – even when they didn’t know what the outcome would be. They lived by simple faith in God – trusting His judgment and His provision. As a result, all of us are blessed.

I told my coworker that the answer to the question about where the money would come from was a simple answer. God. Each of these activities has as a goal reaching people for Jesus Christ. I just believe God blesses His work … and the people who do His work … and the people who are willing to take a step in faith.

Have a blessed day!


Agape’


Mr. Jim