Say Yes

“And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” (Mark 8:4) 

As we teach and train our children, we encourage them to ask good questions. They come to us with wonderful dreams and innovative ideas, and we ask, “How will you make that happen? What steps do you need to take?” These are good questions, helpful questions. However, unbelief often masks itself behind “rational thinking,” “clear-headedness,” and “plain ol’ common sense.” We look at Christ’s call to obedience as a risk/reward scenario. “If I forgive them, they will use it against me.” “If I seek to serve the Lord in that way, I’ll fail because it is not my gift.” Haven’t we all had these conversations? Most often, these are not rational, clearheaded, common sense answers; most often, this is fear and unbelief talking. 

But consider the shepherds for a moment. When the angels announced our dear Savior’s birth, the shepherds went to see. We do not hear them fretting over the possibility of prowling wolves or wandering sheep. They could create a thousand “rational” reasons to remain in the field, but they went. Mary could pontificate on how preposterous the plan presented was; instead, she said: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) When Caleb went to take his inheritance and saw the giants of the land, he actually said the most rational thought of them all: “I shall drive them out just as the LORD said.” (Josh. 14:12) 

My friends, my dear, dear friends. Do not confuse “common sense” for unbelief. The most rational decision any of us can make is to take the Lord at His Word. Leave your questions aside and simply ask as Augustine did: “Lord, create in me what You command.” Gifts? He’ll give them (1 Cor. 12:4-6). Wisdom? He’ll give it (James 1:5). Knowledge and understanding? He’ll give those too (Col. 1:9). When the Lord calls you to obedience of any sort, say “yes,” say “yes,” say “yes,” until the Lord says “no.”