This past weekend Dean and I watched “Yes Day” on Netflix and it got me thinking: “What if the disciples didn’t say yes?”

For three years Jesus put His disciples in situations that challenged and stretched them. They walked for miles and miles with no La Quinta at the end of each day. They sacrificed time with family and in the end they were so confused by Jesus’ death.

Take a minute to think about some of things they faced that challenged their culture and way of thinking: talking to the Samaritan woman; forgiving tax collectors and the woman of ill repute; healing lepers and the sick; promoting and partnering with women; being confronted by Pharisees; dealing with each other; facing their own ambitions and perceptions; meeting the needs of thousands of people; making space for children; dealing with storms and demons; being sent out to do what they didn’t feel qualified for.

Jesus knew what they were going to face in the future and not only pushed them out of their comfort zones, but confronted their prejudices and presuppositions (what we believe and do what we do). He didn’t let stay the same. He does the same for us today.

Jesus was gracious in how He prepared them for the future, even though at the moment it was uncomfortable.

I also think it’s gracious, even though I complain about it, that we are only given our next step or assignment. If I knew all the things I would have to go through, I would have tapped out. No, thank you.

They could have said no at any time and Jesus would have left them alone. Remember the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-23? What if he said yes? Then there’s Nicodemus in John 3:1-21: he snuck in the middle of the night to see Jesus. We know he stuck up for Jesus while not making it about his personal belief in John 7:50-52 and helped bury Him in John 19:38-42. He started off curious but reluctant, but in the end said he yes to Jesus. It is said he lost his position and was buried in a common grave. How many of the thousands that heard Jesus walked away sad because they said no and how many started of unsure, but in the end made the choice to follow Jesus?

Jesus had a choice. He could have said no to the cross. He struggled with it. BUT He knew the pain of the cross would bring everlasting life to each of us.

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding it’s shame. Now He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

How do we do what? For the answer, we need to back up to Hebrews 11. The “Heroes of Faith” chapter. We see many examples of people who said “Yes”despite hardship, doubt and fears.

We may not like the plan that is unfolding or the path we are on right now, but if we are following Jesus we can trust that it has a place and purpose in our lives. We can trust Jesus because He went through hard times, persecution, disappointments and death.

The power comes from trusting Jesus with the plan, not knowing the plan.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

^^^^^^ That right there ^^^^^^ should give us all the hype we need to deal with our sin and become the world changers we were created to be!

Run your race… not your friends race or your pastor’s race or the most popular insta person you follow. Your race! Say yes!!!!!!!!

And while you’re saying yes, have a great, amazing day! You are loved and seen!
All My Love ~ "
Jodi Beth xoxo

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